Chris Osunkwo (Image Maker, Tin Can Customs)
Chris Osunkwo (Image Maker, Tin Can Customs)
I will say Yes, we are progressing, because if you look at the Maritime Academy of Nigeria in Oron, International Maritime Academy, Emdee Shipping and Maritime College and so many others, they are all doing well, but the issue is not about the establishment of the institutions, the issue is for practitioners to take advantage of the existence of such institutions, it is easier to take a monkey to the river, but you cannot force her to drink water. I know that there are institutions like FUTO and others which offer courses in maritime studies, based on these, if I am to access or judge our performance in maritime education, I will say yes, we are on course. Provided the institutions that award the certificates are accredited, well established and approved by the government, there is no way you will not honor the certificate.
Daniel Williams (FFAN)
I don't think we are making progress, education generally is fast becoming a mirage in this part of the world and maritime education is not an exception, we have so many private institutions that are fighting tooth and nail to bring professionalism into the maritime business, but the government has refused to assist them, rather they formulate policies to frustrate their efforts. We have the Maritime Academy of Nigeria in Oron in Akwa Ibom State which going by their contribution to the maritime industry and transport sector in general, they should be called a university by now, but for lack of better infrastructure and negligent on the part of the government, the school has remained stagnant and inefficient. At the end of the day, they produce students that roam round the street of Lagos looking for ships on which to practice. Instead of government coming up to assist these people, they are setting up a new university which we all know will not materialize even in the next five years.
Osundiji Oluwagbenga (HOD Emdee Shipping and Maritime College)
I would want to say we are progressing, especially with the experience that I have got here at Emdee Shipping and Maritime College, I know that maritime education is going forward to a greater height. My reason for saying this is because I foresee maritime schools over-shadowing all the higher institutions in Nigeria, although when it comes to facilities they are still trying their best, but it is just a matter of time. The fight by some individuals in this industry to upgrade the level of professionalism is commendable, most of them are researching with foreign books as well as online publications to source for information on maritime.
Onyeukwu Ugonma Queen (Maritime Student)
If you look at the wideness of the sea and its features, you will discover that just few maritime institutions are well known in Nigeria today, unlike other higher institutions where you study different courses, this could also be blamed on the fact that not many people have idea what maritime education is all about, but I know with time it will be exposed and investors will be able to come in to establish more academies. But for now, I will say that I am satisfied with the quality of maritime education in Nigeria.
Engr. Cyril Okoro (Lecturer)
When it comes to maritime education in Nigeria, we are really doing a great job of providing adequate facilities and a good learning for the average Nigerian who wants to learn about shipping management and also in logistic management. But when you talk about technical areas of maritime training, more efforts need to be put in place in other to achieve our goal. Presently, the academies do not have their own vessels. The government has become negligent of what is happening in our society today, you get to see young stars who are done with school, but they are roaming around the street of Lagos in search of where to practice. This is uncalled for; government should look into these issues properly and see how they can help us in other to build our dreams.
Aleakhue John Okpono (Merchant Navy)
When we talk about the quality of maritime education in Nigeria, we should ask ourselves if standard is achievable here, it is what you have that you can give out and what you don’t have you cannot give out. My reason for saying such is that, for example the likes of Oceanography, I am not trying to advertise the school, but you will find out that more than 80% and above lecturers there are qualified and are also exposed to teaching. The problem we are facing is the costs of facilities which they don’t have in most private schools that are just coming up, as a result of this, they find it very difficult to employ the service of a Captain. I believe that with time Nigeria will get there and the quality of maritime education will improve.
Engineer Isaac Isunama (President AMERO)
The problem of maritime education in Nigeria is that the government has failed to understand that such schools are supposed to be taken seriously just like the conventional university because they have a lot of contribution to make. As we speak , it is only MAN Oron that we can call a government owned maritime school, which I will say is not enough for us and I think it will go a long way if the government will also encourage some of the private maritime school as well; since we don't have many of such schools in Nigeria. Creation of more maritime schools, both government and privately-owned will address some technical issues that abound in the sector. Government needs to put into consideration the benefit of maritime training because the sector contributes generous to the economy
Chris Sadoh (Stars Maritime Academy)
It’s a steady progression on the part of the private maritime schools in Nigeria and looking at the standards , you will agree with me that a school like Stars Maritime Academy is growing as regards quality and standard of training of its students because, over there in Ghana and other parts of the world our school is known for quality and standard of education and that is why European countries want to partner with us for training and other capacity building programmes.
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