By Babajide Okeowo
The fate of over 300 cadets enrolled under the National Seafarers Development Program (NSDP) at Centurion University in India is hanging in the balance at the moment as the sponsoring agency, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) on Monday disclosed that it is weighing its options.
This stems from concerns regarding the quality of education and training being provided to the cadets.
The Director General (DG) of the Agency, Dr. Dayo Mobereola made this known during an interactive session with maritime media professionals held at Eko Hotels in Lagos, recently.
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Addressing the concerns raised, Dr. Mobereola emphasised the agency’s unwavering commitment in ensuring that the cadets return to Nigeria as well-prepared and employable graduates.
He said: “We have not decided to bring those students back home. What we are doing is reviewing how the school has been engaged. Is it in the students’ best interest? Will they be well-prepared graduates who are employable by the industry” he observed.
The DG further explained that the young, vibrant, intelligent students are a top priority for NIMASA. He explained that the agency is meticulously developing the best approach to ensure that the cadets receive the education and training necessary to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s maritime sector. “When we present our plan, you will recognize that it is in the best interest of both the nation and the students,” he pointed out.
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The NIMASA boss also said that there is an ongoing review of the NIMASA Act of 2007. He explained that the revised bill would introduce stricter regulations for all maritime infrastructure, with a particular focus on smaller vessels often used for illicit activities such as piracy and sea robberies. “In the new bill, we aim to ensure that every boat in our waters is regulated, registered, and monitored,” he stated.
The session also emphasized the importance of media partnerships in shaping public perception and holding the agency accountable. Dr. Mobereola acknowledged the crucial role of journalists in the maritime industry, promising improvements in media relations, including the training of media practitioners, which is included in the 2024 budget. He also mentioned that the remuneration of media professionals covering the sector is under review, reflecting NIMASA’s commitment to fostering a mutually beneficial relationship with the press.
Dr. Mobereola encouraged open dialogue and collaboration between NIMASA and media stakeholders for the benefit of the maritime sector and the nation as a whole. “When you speak, it is perceived as being in the industry’s best interest. I encourage you to continue raising these issues” he noted.
