The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) have been commended by Nigerian Cadets studying at a maritime institution in the United Kingdom; the South Tyneside College, Newcastle, for its efforts in making sure that Nigerian cadets are trained under its ongoing National Shipping Development Programme (NSDP).
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) have been commended by Nigerian Cadets studying at a maritime institution in the United Kingdom; the South Tyneside College, Newcastle, for its efforts in making sure that Nigerian cadets are trained under its ongoing National Shipping Development Programme (NSDP).
The cadets numbering about 30, with the females not fewer than 10 percent, mostly from Niger, and Kaduna States expressed satisfaction with the quality and skills being imparted into them, noting that aside from sea trainings which they were still looking forward to, their peers elsewhere were no longer better off, than them.
They expressed optimism that the country may soon evolve into a global maritime giant, if the policy was sustained.
“We are satisfied with the quality of trainings we are receiving here. We are happy that the Federal Government is doing everything to boost shipping activities in Nigeria . And we are also happy, with the commendable collaboration between the Federal Government and our State Governments, which has provided us with the new hope, vision and future in the shipping sector” indicated Mohammed El Yaqub, from Niger State, pointing out that they had prudently undergone a year strenuous trainings before they were brought to Newcastle, for their ongoing two year program.
The youth, who like many of his counterpart was studying marine engineering, said he was already looking forward, towards when he would be able to put his skill and trainings to good use, for the enhancement of maritime activities in the country.
“I think Nigeria is already doing a good job, training the sea farers. The only thing I however know the country must still do is to try and get more ships. We may not have enough resources. But this things can be worked on” he said confidently, giving credence to the level of his international exposure.
Echoing same view, another cadet, Abdulraham Adamu Fatika said the country deserves a round of applause in respect of its present direction.
“Actually, if you ask me, I would say Nigeria deserves a big round of applause for what she is doing in this direction” he stated, delivering in different words, same opinion which another cadet from Kaduna State , Abubakar Abdulkareem had expressed.
But it was probably from the females who demonstrated the greater faith in the country; as Juliet Amwein from Kaduna State and Bridget Thomas also from Kaduna State observed.
“We should be one of the best maritime nations in the world, but we are not. Our job is not to think of our lapses. Our job is to do whatever we should do, create the desired awareness, collaborate with people who have something to offer; and then move the country forward” observed Juliet, pointing out that as marine engineering students their trainings encourages them to identify and rectify what prevent the engines from working, rather than complain about it.
Commenting on the quality of the students, the institution’s Vice Principal, Gary Hinmarch said the college was satisfied that Government made a good selection.
“The Nigerian students here have been very unique. They have exceeded our expectation. We expect that at the end of their programme here, they should, as asset to their country, assist to lift Nigeria higher, in the maritime sector, both in the medium and long term”, observed the College Vice Principal, Gary Hinmarch, pointing out that the college would also be glad to assist the Nigerian Maritime Academy, Oron graduates to continue their career in UK maritime colleges.
He however stressed that for his institution to do that, they must also be allowed to provide a hundred percent supervision of the Oron curriculum.
Meanwhile, emerging indication is to the effect that the National Assembly may increase either the NIMASA or the MAN, Oron budget for next year, in a bid to enable Nigeria cadets acquire the machinery for required sea exposures and training, if the views of Senator Zeinab Kure and Hon. Ifanyi Ugwuanyi was something to go by.
Senator Kure while admonishing the cadets to be of good behaviour, specifically told the students that the country had realized that sea exposure was sacrosanct to their competence and recognition; and would therefore go the extra miles, to ensure that the cadets got the best.
“We are going to do our best. We will ensure that by the time you are back home, the maritime sector would have improved” Senator Kure admonished them, even as Senator Oluremi Tinubu charged them to continue to behave well, stressing that as a mother, she saw them as good ambassadors of the country, who must remain focused, studious and relevant.
“We are very proud of you. And as a mother, I want to join my chairman ( Kure ) to admonish you to continue to put in your best as good ambassadors of the country. On our part, we will do our best to ensure that by the time you are back in the country, we hope our best would have significantly improved the fortunes of the country”, Senator Tinubu stated further.
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