The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), has explained that its desire to close the knowledge gap in the maritime sector and create employments are the major reasons for investing in setting up the multi-billion naira Institute of Maritime Studies in some selected Nigerian universities.
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), has explained that its desire to close the knowledge gap in the maritime sector and create employments are the major reasons for investing in setting up the multi-billion naira Institute of Maritime Studies in some selected Nigerian universities.
Speaking during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between NIMASA and the University of Lagos on Wednesday at the Council of Chambers building, University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos, Director-General of the agency, Patrick Ziakede Akpobolokemi said economic activities in the country revolves around shipping and oil and gas.
According to him, Nigeria needs maritime universities that will train her younger generation and equip them because the country can’t afford a situation where non-Nigerians take over her maritime industry totally adding that the sector is a good avenue for employment generation.
He said, ‘When we give our youths good education in the maritime sector, expose them to sea time training and ultimately give them a place in the labour market and they become useful to us, all of us will be happy. There will be peace; restiveness will reduce because fewer people will be attracted to crime.
‘Manpower development is the panacea to resolving some of the crises in the country. We decided to establish these institutes so that in five to ten years’ time the world will know we are ready to take over the sector particularly domestic trade. If we don’t build manpower, it means opportunities in the maritime sector will never be tapped. Even when they are tapped, people outside the country would be taking advantage of what is to be due to Nigerians and we can’t be creating employment for the western world.’
He also said that the demand for seafarers and other related skills in the maritime industry globally is very elastic adding that Shipping and Information Technology are the two major sectors uniting the world today.
It would be recalled that NIMASA proposed the establishment of Institute Maritime Studies in four universities in the country which includes University of Lagos, Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida University in Lapai, Niger State, Niger Delta University, Amasoma, Bayelsa State and University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
Explaining why Unilag was chosen in the southwestern part of the country Akpolokemi said the penchant for excellence of the institution qualified it for the project. ‘If you mention three top universities in Nigeria today, University of Lagos must be among them. And if a massive development project like this is to be considered for such universities and Unilag is not included, it is not good enough.
However, he said NIMASA will not be a financial burden but rather a blessing to the institution on the project adding that the agency will give the university all the necessary support so that the approved institute will see the light of the day. He also said NIMASA would extend its benevolence to other universities in the country when more resources are available.
Responding, the Acting Vice Chancellor, University of Lagos, Professor Rahaman Ade Bello thanked NIMASA for choosing Unilag. He commended the agency for fulfilling its promises and assured him that the institution will not let Nigerians down, rather it is ready to take up the challenge.
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