Cadets of the Nigerian Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research (NIOMR) in Victoria Island Lagos have alleged that out of 76 cadets that were churned out of the institute in 2016, only three of them were able to secure sea time experience.
Speaking at an event in Lagos recently, some cadets of the academy (names withheld) called on the Federal Government to remove the school from under the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and place it under the Federal Ministry of Transportation.
The cadet noted that the school of Oceanography should also benefit from the 5% financial donations that are awarded to Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN) in Oron, Akwa Ibom State by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).
One of the students who pleaded to be anonymous stated that: “I don’t know why we are still under the Ministry of Agriculture when we have marine engineers and nautical sciences there, it also marvels me that five percent of NIMASA money goes to MAN Oron, and I don’t know why NIMASA does not recognize us as Oceanography students”
“Last year, for the nautical science department, out of 76 cadets that graduated last year, only three out of the 76 are onboard right now. I want NIMASA to assist the students of Oceanography”
Responding, the Executive Director of Operations at NIMASA, Engr. Rotimi Fashakin who was also present at the forum noted that, for Oceanography to benefit from NIMASA financially, the Act setting up the school has to be amended.
“It is true that five percent of NIMASA money goes into the funding of the academy, but it would interest you to note that in the law setting up MAN Oron, NIMASA has no hand; she is not a member of the board. Now there is a Bill for the amendment of MAN Oron establishment Act to give NIMASA some level of control and to be able to advise on the running of the academy.
“The huge money invested in MAN Oron, when you juxtapose it with the value derivable from there, the two are miles apart. To be able to close that gap is what informed the amendment that is being pursued”.
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