By Platform Reporters
The Governing Board of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, MAN Oron, has pledged deeper collaboration with the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, to upgrade seafarer training and meet global standards.
Led by its Chairman, Engr. Kehinde Olayinka Akinola, the Board paid a working visit to NIMASA’s Corporate Headquarters in Lagos on Wednesday
Speaking during the visit, NIMASA Director General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, said effective collaboration between both institutions is critical to developing Nigerian seafarers. He announced that the Agency is reviewing the STCW 2017 curriculum used by Maritime Training Institutions in Nigeria.
“For over 32 years Nigerian training institutions have been operating with obsolete curricula,” Dr Mobereola said. “NIMASA is determined to review the curriculum and benchmark against the very best globally acceptable standard. This is in a quest to ensure that seafarer’s certification in Nigeria enjoys global recognition.”
The DG reiterated NIMASA’s commitment to supporting MAN Oron in the training and promotion of Nigerian seafarers, noting that human capital remains a critical driver of Nigeria’s Blue Economy.
In his response, Engr. Akinola said MAN Oron is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and remains one of the leading maritime training institutions in Africa. He thanked NIMASA for its continued support and disclosed that the Academy has developed a ‘five-year development plan’ which includes the acquisition of a training vessel to boost practical training for cadets.
The Chairman also revealed that the Liberian Maritime Administration and a Liberian maritime training institute, which recently visited MAN Oron, have expressed interest in collaborating with the Academy. The partnership will create opportunities for Nigerian seafarers to undertake sea-time training onboard Liberian-flagged vessels.
