Maritime Education: Academy, University consider collaboration for improved training

The Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, Akwa Ibom and the Nigeria Maritime University, Okerenkoko, Delta State, are considering closer ties for purposes of improved training.

Both institutions of maritime education agree that collaborations in the areas of support to advance practical training through available facilities in the Academy would be of greater benefit for the quality of seafarers that are being trained.

The idea of collaboration was at the heart of the discussions on Tuesday when cadets of the Nigeria Maritime University visited the Academy on an educational tour.

The Vice Chancellor of the Nigeria Maritime University, Prof. Emmanuel Adigio, extolled the Rector of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Commodore Emmanuel Duja Effedua (Rtd.), for what he described as outstanding efforts at repositioning the nation’s premier maritime education and training centre to world class in less than four years in office.

The VC was represented by the Dean, School of Maritime Transport and Logistics, Dr. Victor Omoke.

While commending the rate of transformation in the Academy, Dr. Omoke said that the quality of educational and infrastructural facilities put in place by the Rector in the Academy was second-to- none in the country.

According to Omoke, the Rector has shown a highly reputable leadership and administration approach that is worthy of emulation for the purpose of true growth.

He said: “I visited the Academy few years ago and it is nothing compared to what I have seen today; the transformation is massive. In fact, this is the kind of leaders Nigerians have been praying for.  I believe productivity, efficiency and transparency are a rare trait in leadership and should be lauded if found in any leader.

“In Nigeria, people crave for second term even when they did not achieve much in their first tenure. I am of the opinion that second term should be considered on the strength of a person’s performance during the first term. I want to add that from all indications you deserve a second term.”

He explained that the aim of the educational tour was to expose their cadets to hands-on experience in the maritime industry and therefore expressed the desire of his institution to collaborate with the Academy in the area of training, since the Academy has the required facilities that would help them achieve this objective.

In his remarks, the Rector who attributed his achievements in the Academy to the cooperation of his staff and management, said he was able to achieve all what he has achieved today with the funds he got from blocking financial loopholes that existed in the system before his assumption of office.

He also advised the NMU Cadets to shun acts of cultism and other vices inimical to their studies and future by extension, saying that they have to justify the confidence their parents reposed in them.

Effedua further said that considering the fact that both institutions have similar mandates, collaboration in the area of training would be a welcome development since NMU Cadets would have the opportunity of taking advantage of the state-of-the-arts educational facilities in the Academy to enhance their practical training.

He, therefore, said that as part of contribution to the collaboration, the Academy would offer free accommodation and reduced fees for cadets of the NMU, who would take up mandatory/short courses in the Academy.

“Initially when I was appointed the Rector, I was ashamed because of how the Academy was, but then we worked day and night, and I am happy to say that we have made significant changes.

“Your school can take advantage of the facilities we have here, likewise mine. Whatever we can do for your school to help develop the maritime industry would be done; our doors are open,” the Rector said.

Facilities visited included the Firebay, MAN Jetty, Multi-functional Classroom Simulator, Full Mission Bridge Engine room Simulator, Full Mission Bridge Deck Simulator, ICT & Resource Centre, Survival Training and Swimming Pool, Smart classrooms and Cadets’ hostels.