The Nigerian Navy and the University of Lagos have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Hydrographic Survey Partnership to chart the course of a greater and more relevant future for hydrography in Nigeria.
The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo, received the University of Lagos (UNILAG) team led by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, FAS, in a ceremony held recently at the new Conference Room, Naval Headquarters, Abuja, Nigeria.
In his remarks, the CNS expressed delight for the actualisation of the partnership with UNILAG, describing the occasion as epoch-making, as it would ensure the availability of skilled manpower in hydrography to advance Nigeria’s hydrographic practice in line with international best practice.
His words, “…availability of skilled hydrographic manpower as well as requisite survey platforms and equipment in any nation enhances such nation’s capability to explore and exploit the resources of the sea, conduct coastal zone management, develop shore approaches and advance maritime security. Optimal execution of these activities supports various maritime economic engagements, which generate revenue for improved economic growth.”
On his part, Prof. Ogundipe expressed gratitude to the Nigerian Navy for accepting to walk this journey of actualisation of the advancement of maritime studies in Nigeria.
He described the partnership as benefiting to both parties, as he talked about the expectations and deliverables of the University.
The Unilag VC gave assurances that the partnership between both institutions in the regard would cause Nigeria to gain profound recognition in the world for its competency in hydrography.
The signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was undertaken by the Vice-Chancellor, University of Lagos, Professor Oluwatoyin Ogundipe; the Registrar, UNILAG, Ọladẹjọ Azeez, Esq.; Head Hydrographer of the Nigerian Navy, Rear Admiral Chukwuemeka E. Okafor; and Deputy Director, Civil-Military Relations (Law Support), Commodore Jamila S. Malafa.
Present in the UNILAG team were: Professor Ayodele V. Atsenuwa, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development Services); Ọladẹjọ Azeez, Esq., Registrar; Professor Matthew Olusoji Ilori, Director, Institute of Maritime Studies; Mrs. Nonyem P. Oguama, Head of Corporate Affairs Office; and Mr. Bolarinwa Ajigboye (Vice-Chancellor’s Office).
The Institute of Maritime Studies (IMS), University of Lagos was established with the support of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) in 2014.
The Institute is dedicated to providing suitable manpower requirement for contemporary maritime industry, through comprehensive theoretical and practical maritime training.
