Akpobolokemi: Maritime University will Sustain Growth in the Sector
Says NIMASA in cordial relationship with navy, security agencies
The Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Ziakede Patrick Akpobolokemi, yesterday assured that the establishment of Nigerian Maritime University will ensure sustainability of growth in the maritime sector.
He equally said NIMASA maintains a robust relationship with both the Navy and other security agencies in securing the nation’s waterways.
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) had on Wednesday approved the university to commence academic activities.
The university which is an initiative of NIMASA, is a first full fledged maritime university in West Africa.
Fielding questions from State House correspondents, Akpobolokemi explained that with its permanent site in Okerenkoko, Warri SouthWest Local Government Area of Delta State, the university is expected to run courses in Marine Engineering, Naval Architecture, Nautical Science, Transport Technology and other maritime related professional areas at degree and sub degree level.
On the FEC’s approval of the university, the NIMASA DG said: “This formal approval of the licence will signify a major milestone in the agency’s capacity building initiatives as it will guarantee sustainable training of qualified manpower for the maritime industry at international standard.
“Following the licence issued by the federal government, the university is now set to commence academic activities at its fully developed temporary site in Kurutie, also in Warri South-west Local Government Area.
“The groundbreaking ceremony of the institution, as well as the NIMASA Shipyard and Dockyard in Okerenkoko, was conducted by President Goodluck Jonathan in May, last year.”
He stressed that NIMASA’s management led by him remained committed and focused on building human capacity for the Nigerian maritime sector through strengthening the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP), a scholarship programme designed to train young Nigerians in various maritime professions at degree level.
NSDP according to Akpobolokemi, had over 2,500 beneficiaries in academic institutions in Egypt, India, Philippines, Romania and the United Kingdom; a number of whom have since graduated.
He added that his administration had also established Institutes of Maritime Studies in six Nigerian universities, including University of Lagos, University of Nigeria Nsukka, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai Niger State, Niger Delta University Amasoma, Bayelsa State, Anambra State University Uli and Federal Univerity Kashere, Gombe State.