The Nigerian Navy has commenced upgrading its training schools across the country to meet international standard and address security challenges.
Commodore Peter Onaji, the outgoing Commandant, Nigerian Navy Basic Training School (NNBTS), Onne, Rivers, told newsmen shortly before the handing-over parade on Wednesday.
He said that the NNBTS, the Nigerian Naval College and others were currently being upgraded to meet with the current change in dynamics and asymmetric nature of threats confronting the nation.
“The Nigerian Navy under the command of Vice-Adm. Ibok-Ete Ibas is passionate about training and retraining of new recruits to acquire special military skills for internal security operations.
“In pursuant of this, the navy is upgrading its facilities while old structures meant for accommodation are undergoing rehabilitation.
“Also, construction of new accommodation blocks for trainees are ongoing.
“When these upgrades are completed, the NNBTS will compete and compare favourably with navies in other countries , such as, the Indian Navy and the Royal Navy in training of new recruits,” he said.
Onaji said that under his command, 1,205 new recruits were trained within 16 months on seamanship, boat handling, weapon handling and obstacle handling.
He said during the period, 56 senior ratings bagged Diploma in Leadership and Management Course in affiliation with the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT).
According to him, navy collaboration with UNIPORT is designed to expose senior ratings to theoretical knowledge that will improve their professionalism and proficiency in naval operations.
Onaji said that no trainee or personnel lost their lives during various trainings under his command.
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