NIMASA Hosts Governing Council of Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron

Agency Moves to Review Maritime Training Curriculum to Meet Global Standards

By Stella Okocha 

The Governing Council of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron, led by its Chairman, Engr. Kehinde Olayinka Akinola, paid a working visit to the management of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) at the Agency’s Corporate Headquarters in Lagos.

Speaking during the visit, the Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, emphasised that effective collaboration between NIMASA and the0 Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, is critical to strengthening seafarer training and developing Nigeria’s maritime human capital.

DG NIMASA, Dr Dayo Mobereola and Board Chairman, Maritime Academy of Nigeria, MAN, Oron, Engr. Kehinde Akinola during a working visit

The DG also disclosed that NIMASA is working on a review of the curriculum for the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) 2017 applicable to maritime training institutions in Nigeria.

According to him, the review is necessary to ensure that Nigeria’s maritime training programmes remain relevant, internationally competitive and aligned with globally accepted standards.

In his words, “For over 32 years, Nigerian training institutions have been operating with obsolete curricula. NIMASA is determined to review the curriculum and benchmark it against the very best globally acceptable standards. This is in a quest to ensure that seafarers’ certification in Nigeria enjoys global recognition.”

Dr. Mobereola further reiterated NIMASA’s commitment to supporting the effective training and promotion of Nigerian seafarers through the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron. He noted that human capital development remains one of the most critical components of Nigeria’s emerging Blue Economy.

In his response, the Chairman of the Governing Council, Engr. Kehinde Olayinka Akinola, stated that the Academy is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and remains one of the leading maritime training institutions in Africa.

L-R, Board Chairman, MAN, Oron, Engr. Kehinde Akinola; Director General/CEO, NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola; Executive Director, Maritime Labour and Cabotage Services, NIMASA, Mr Jibril Abba and Ag. Rector MAN, Oron, Dr Kelvin Okonna

While appreciating NIMASA’s continued support for the Academy, Engr. Akinola disclosed that MAN, Oron, has developed a five-year development plan, which includes the acquisition of a training vessel to further enhance practical training for cadets.

He also revealed that the Liberian Maritime Administration and a Liberian maritime training institution, which recently visited the Academy, have expressed interest in collaborating with MAN, Oron, to create opportunities for Nigerian seafarers to undertake sea-time training aboard Liberian-flagged vessels.

According to him, the proposed collaboration would provide Nigerian cadets with additional opportunities to acquire practical sea-going experience, while strengthening their skills and competitiveness in the global maritime labour market.

The engagement underscores the shared commitment of NIMASA and the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, to strengthen maritime education and training, improving the employability of Nigerian seafarers, and positioning the country’s maritime human capital to take advantage of opportunities within the global shipping industry.