Former Chairman, Tin Can Island Port Chapter of Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Mr Kayode Farinto has harped on the need for the Federal government to support private maritime institutions in Nigeria.
Farinto also noted that both private and government-owned maritime schools in Nigeria are at par as regards training because according to him, the government schools lack equipment and facilities to train students.
Former Chairman, Tin Can Island Port Chapter of Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Mr Kayode Farinto has harped on the need for the Federal government to support private maritime institutions in Nigeria.
Farinto also noted that both private and government-owned maritime schools in Nigeria are at par as regards training because according to him, the government schools lack equipment and facilities to train students.
But speaking with Shipping Position Daily last week in his office, the ex-ANLCA chairman said that Stars Maritime Academy stands out from other private and government-owned maritime schools in Nigeria even as affirmed that the Ogun State based school is better than Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN) Oron in Akwa Ibom State.
According to him, the private maritime school has overtime gained recognition globally, but the government-owned academy is struggling even with funds made available for it through NIMASA.
He lambasted the Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) for always providing funds for MAN Oron late saying that, delay in funds to upgrade facilities pose a serious headache for the school.
“I am happy with the standards of SMA and I know that the school has what it takes to compete with even MAN Oron "
“SMA stands out from other maritime schools in Nigeria and I think it is time for the regulatory agency to go and see things for themselves”, he maintained.
He urged all legible private maritime schools accredited by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) and the Ministry of Education to continue in their efforts to add value to the nation’s maritime sector.
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