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From Isaac Job, Uyo
Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN) , Oron has proposed a partnership deal with Liberia Maritime Training Institute (LMTI) and Liberia Maritime Authority (LIMA) as commitment to promote maritime education, training and human capital development and reposition it as the best in West Africa
A statement signed by the Head of Public Affairs of the institution Ms Domo Umoekpe and made available to Journalists in Uyo stated that the partnership proposal was mooted recently during the Academy’s visit to Liberia seeking for collaboration
to promote maritime education, professional training, and human capacity development across West and Central Africa.
Umoekpe explained that under the proposed partnership deal , both institutions would establish a lecturer exchange programme; Maritime Education and Training (MET) resource sharing; peer review of MET Curriculla in areas of expertise; promotion of courses offered by both institutions on each partners’ communication platforms including their Websites; Training of Liberian Youths at the Academy; Placement of Nigeria Maritime Academy Cadets Onboard Liberian flagged Vessels for Sea-time Training and Training of Liberian Port State Control Officers at the Academy in collaboration with the Abuja MoU on Port State Control.
She said the Chairman, Governing Council of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Engr. Kehinde Olayinka Akinola who was in the entourage said the visit was part of the ongoing efforts of the Federal Government of Nigeria to strengthening regional maritime cooperation, institutional capacity, enhance global best practices, and position Nigeria as a hub of maritime operations in the sub-region.
“This visit majorly underscores the Federal Government of Nigeria’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.”
Umoekpe said Olayinka further noted with satisfaction LiMA’s well-structured maritime administration system, strong adherence to global maritime conventions, and commitment to competitiveness within the international maritime community.
Umoekpe disclosed that the Acting Rector Dr Kevin Okonna during in his presentation at the visit, reaffirmed the Academy’s dedication to continually develop highly skilled and competent seafarers capable of competing with their counterparts around the globe.
The statement reads in parts :
” Okonna emphasised that the Academy’s retinue of competent workforce, state-of-the-art training facilities and enhanced curriculla have positioned the institution as one of the best maritime education and training institutions in the world, aligning the Academy’s remarkable strides with the visionary policy direction of the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, HE Adegboyega Oyetola, CON.
According to the Okonna , the partnership will open new pathways for knowledge exchange, institutional collaboration, and practical training that will benefit cadets, instructors, and maritime operators across the sub-region.
“We acknowledge and recognise Liberia for its significant stance in the global maritime community, 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. It would enable both institutions to leverage each other’s strong points to enhance the quality of MET and capacity building for lecturers and cadets”
Umoekpe said the Deputy Commissioner of Liberia Maritime Authority, Mr. John F. Harvey welcomed the Academy’s delegation, noting that partnership between the two countries was a welcomed development that will serve as a model for other regional collaborations.
She said the Liberian Maritime Authority described the planned collaboration between MAN, Oron, LMTI, and LiMA 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”
Umoekpe said the partnership initiative is expected to chart new pathways for strategic collaboration in different areas, foster innovation and maintain maritime training excellence.
“It would also deepen capacity-building initiatives, strengthen research partnerships, and promote cross-border knowledge/culture transfer.”
