The Nigerian High Commissioner to Jamaica, Her Excellency, Dr. Maureen Tamuno, has lauded Rector of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Commodore Duja Effedua (Rtd), for the outstanding transformation he has carried out in the Academy since his assumption of office.
The High Commissioner, who is also Nigeria’s Permanent Representative at the International Seabed Authority (ISA), said she was pleasantly surprised at the quality of educational facilities the Academy has established as well as the serenity of the Academy Community.
“I have followed up your activities in the Maritime Academy of Nigeria and I must say it is quite commendable, she said.”
She described the International Seabed Authority (ISA) as an international organization covered by the United Nations Law of the Sea, that was birthed principally to protect weaker countries from external encroachment by countries with stronger military might.
The High Commissioner who facilitated informal sessions on Inspection, Compliance and Enforcement (ICE) in the African region, said the Authority was working on the laws with the aim of reviewing them to see how they can be more beneficial to mankind.
Explaining that the seabed is rich in numerous minerals that could help build the economy in future, she noted that part of what ISA is doing is to build capacity in Nigeria.
Speaking on the purpose of the visit, Tamuno said that as part of its efforts to create awareness about the activities of the Authority, it was agreed that the Authority would be holding workshops in five different countries including Nigeria.
Accordingly, the workshop is expected to provide a forum for interaction between Cadets of the Academy and the Secretary General of the Authority, Mr. Michael W. Lodge, who is expected to be present.
“As part of the mid- term plan, it was agreed that workshops should be organised in 5 different countries, the 4th would be taking place here in Nigeria.
“About 17 to 20 experts would be flying to come and create awareness about the activities of the Authority. Nigeria is going to benefit immensely because part of what they do is to render help in areas of lack and so we might just be lucky.
“Because we want to go for the best in the Country, the Academy was highly recommended, so we have come to look at what you have on ground because it’s going to be a global event,” she added.
On his part, the Rector welcomed the ISA Team and expressed satisfaction over the activities of the Authority at regulating mining and maritime related activities globally.
While recounting that prior his appointment the institution was in a state of total collapse, he assured the visitors that the institution has moved away from that state of infrastructure deficit against all odds and now better positioned for global competitiveness.
He also said that certificates issued by the Academy are recognised internationally, because the faculties are strong with competent lecturers and enhanced curriculum to cater for the current training needs in the maritime industry.
The Rector also said that the Academy intends to commercialise its educational facilities at concessional rate as part of its contribution towards the development of the nation’s maritime industry.
“Our Cadets are special. Before, they return to the Academy after graduation for other professional trainings, but now they graduate with more than four Certificates, courtesy of the Management’s free tuition Mandatory Short Course Policy, and that makes them more marketable than their counterparts who graduated before now. Interestingly, organisations keep demanding for them,” he said.
High point of the visit was the tour of Academy’s facilities. The High Commissioner was accompanied by the Director of Maritime Safety and Security, Mr. Babatunde Bombata; Ag. Director, Maritime Boundaries Department, National Boundary Commission, Mr. Nurudeen Abba;
Deputy Director (Head Protocol) NIMASA, Oluoha Nancy; Chief Marine Officer Maritime Safety & Security,(FMT), Mrs. Aisha Bisalla and Senior Marine Engineer, Marine Pollution (FMT), Engr. Abraham Nnokam.
With the Rector were members of the Academy’s Management.
