The Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN) Oron, has concluded plans to partner with Liberia Maritime Training Institute (LMTI) and Liberia Maritime Authority (LiMA) for knowledge and capability building.
Mrs Domo Umoekpe, Head of Public Affairs of the academy made the remark in a statement issued to newsmen in Uyo on Monday.
She said that the partnership was aimed at promoting maritime education, professional training, and human capacity development across West and Central Africa.
She explained that under the proposed partnership, both institutions would establish a lecturer-exchange programme, Maritime Education and Training (MET) resource sharing and peer review of MET Curricula in areas of expertise.
She added that the partnership would also be for the promotion of courses offered by both institutions on each partner’s communication platforms and Websites, and training of Liberian Youths at the Academy, among others.
Umoekpe explained that the partnership was secured during a tour of the Liberia Maritime Training Institute led by the Chairman, Governing Council of the academy, Mr Kehinde Akinola.
She said that the chairman described the visit as part of the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen regional maritime cooperation and position Nigeria as a hub of maritime operations in the sub-region.
According to her, Akinola said that the visit majorly underscored the FG’s commitment to advancing maritime education and international best practices in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda for the Marine and Blue Economy sector.
“The proposed agreement will strengthen sub-regional cooperation and fast-track collective growth within the blue economy sector,’’ she quoted Akinola as saying.
Dr Kevin Okonna, the Academy’s Acting Rector, reaffirmed the academy’s dedication to continually develop highly skilled and competent seafarers capable of competing with their counterparts around the globe.
Okonna said that the academy’s retinue of competent workforce, state-of-the-art training facilities and enhanced curricula had positioned the institution as one of the best maritime education and training institutions in the world.
He said the partnership would open new pathways for knowledge exchange, institutional collaboration, and practical training that would benefit cadets, instructors, and maritime operators across the sub-region.
“We acknowledge Liberia for its significant stance in the global maritime community.
‘’We recognise the country particularly as a nation with the world’s largest merchant ship fleet/tonnage and as a ‘Category A Member’ of the Council of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).
“This partnership reflects our shared vision to build a new generation of highly skilled and globally competitive seafarers through collaboration, innovation, and capacity development.
Okonna said that the partnership would enable both institutions to leverage each other’s strong points to enhance the quality of MET and capacity building for lecturers and cadets.
The Deputy Commissioner, Liberia Maritime Authority, Mr John Harvey, during the academy’s delegation’s visit, said the partnership between the two countries would serve as a model for other regional collaborations.
Harvey reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to maritime development, describing the proposed collaboration as a major step towards strengthening regional maritime cooperation.
“Let me reaffirm our unwavering commitment to mutually beneficial partnerships that would enhance maritime education and training excellence and professional development of our Cadets,” he said.
