President Goodluck Jonathan has urged the 655 trainee cadets of the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP), who are being sent on foreign training programmes, to be good ambassadors of the country.
The new intakes beefs the number of NSDP beneficiaries to 2505.
While addressing the cadets at the Nigerian Maritime Resource Development Centre in Apapa, Lagos, last week, President Jonathan who was represented by transport minister; Senator Idris Umar advised the young Nigerians to exhibit a sense of duty to the nation.
President Goodluck Jonathan has urged the 655 trainee cadets of the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP), who are being sent on foreign training programmes, to be good ambassadors of the country.
The new intakes beefs the number of NSDP beneficiaries to 2505.
While addressing the cadets at the Nigerian Maritime Resource Development Centre in Apapa, Lagos, last week, President Jonathan who was represented by transport minister; Senator Idris Umar advised the young Nigerians to exhibit a sense of duty to the nation.
“You should see yourselves as representatives of the country. You must shy away from anything that will bring shame to Nigeria, be disciplined and law abiding and remain diligent in your studies and trainings so as to come back after the training as proud Nigerians, worthy seafarers and ambassadors,” Jonathan added.
The Minister Umar announced that the Federal Government has also commenced the processes of establishing the Maritime University at Okerenkoko in Delta State, while NIMASA also has Institutes of Maritime Studies in four Nigerian universities – University of Lagos, University of Nigeria, Nsukka; Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, Niger State and Niger Delta University, Bayelsa.
He said that the objective of these Institutes is to contribute to the production of high quality future global maritime leaders and professionals through quality maritime education, training and research.
“Also the Institutes will create opportunities for mutual exchange of knowledge and best practices with stakeholders to address the deep capacity gap in the maritime industry,” the Minister explained.
In his welcome address, the Director General of NIMASA, Mr Ziakede Patrick Akpolobokemi said that the programme had recorded significant milestones with 15 state governments having embraced the initiative.
He expressed optimism that the NSDP would pave the way for Nigeria in becoming Africa’s hub for the supply of skilled maritime human capital.
“The pragmatic expectation of the Nigerian maritime industry is that the NSDP will enable the development of Nautical Scientists, Naval Architects and Marine Engineers who will bridge capacity gaps in Nigeria’s ship building value chain, ship manning and contemporary elements of ships’ operation and navigation,” the Director General declared.
The cadets are expected to undergo academic, technical and sea time training in various maritime institutions in Egypt, India, the Philippines and Romania relating to nautical science, marine engineering and naval architecture, with a view to becoming future master mariners.
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