By Sylvanus OBASI
The Nigerian Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research (NIOMR), Lagos, has organized a one-day national workshop aimed at equipping young marine scientists with practical skills and hands-on experience needed for effective participation in Nigeria’s growing blue economy sector.
The event, titled “Internship-Based Capacity Building for Young Marine Scientists in Nigeria: Fostering Practical Skills and Experience,” was held on May 30, 2025, at Parklane Hotel, Ajao Estate, Ikeja, Lagos.
The workshop formed part of the Marine and Coastal Areas Management in North and West Africa (MarCNoWA) project under the GMES Africa Programme, with NIOMR serving as a major national partner responsible for implementing Earth Observation services and capacity development in marine and coastal management.
Speaking at the opening session, Executive Director of NIOMR, Prof Sule Abiodun underscored the need to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application in marine science. He said the institute’s internship program was designed to prepare emerging scientists for real-world research and professional challenges.
According to him, the workshop represents a strategic effort to strengthen Nigeria’s blue economy workforce by exposing young researchers to fieldwork, modern tools, and marine data analysis techniques.
The program brought together over 30 participants from universities and marine institutions across Nigeria, including the University of Lagos, Obafemi Awolowo University, Niger Delta University, and the College of Fisheries and Marine Technology.
Participants received training in various aspects of marine research methodologies, including data gathering, coastal ecosystem monitoring, and the application of Earth Observation (EO) technologies for sustainable ocean management.
A key outcome of the workshop was the development of a National Internship Framework, designed to establish linkages between academic institutions, research agencies, and marine industry stakeholders.
The framework seeks to provide structured internship placements and mentorship opportunities for marine science students.
Representatives from key government agencies, including the Federal Ministry of Environment, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), participated in the workshop and pledged continued collaboration in marine science capacity-building initiatives.
Also in attendance were non-governmental organizations and private sector partners such as the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), Young Fishers Global Network Initiative, Marine & Coastal Conservation Society of Nigeria (MCCSN), and the OceanLearn Consortium, who shared insights on youth empowerment and marine conservation.
During interactive sessions, experts emphasized that practical exposure through internship remains vital in enhancing employability and innovation among young scientists. They noted that the new framework will provide a platform for field experience, mentorship, and research-based learning.
Participants described the workshop as impactful and expressed appreciation to NIOMR and its partners for providing a platform that connects academic learning with field-based research. Many said the training had broadened their understanding of marine ecosystem management and professional opportunities in the blue economy.
At the end of the workshop, facilitators reiterated the importance of sustained collaboration among academia, government, and industry in developing Nigeria’s marine workforce. They also called for continued investment in research infrastructure and training to drive sustainable ocean governance.
The event reaffirmed NIOMR’s leadership role in promoting marine science education and its commitment to empowering the next generation of ocean professionals through practical training, innovation, and partnership.
PHOTO CAPTION: Young marine scientists from Nigerian universities participating in a practical internship training session during the NIOMR capacity-building workshop at Parklane Hotel, Lagos.
