NIMASA to Review Curriculum for Maritime Training Institutions for Global Recognition

The Governing Board of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron, led by Chairman Engr. Kehinde Olayinka Akinola, paid a working visit to the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) at its Corporate Headquarters in Lagos.

During the meeting, NIMASA’s Director General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, emphasized the importance of collaboration between the Agency and MAN, Oron, in advancing the training of Nigerian seafarers. He announced that NIMASA is initiating a comprehensive review of the Standard Training Certification and Watch-keeping (STCW) 2017 curriculum for maritime training institutions across Nigeria.

“For over 32 years, Nigerian training institutions have operated with obsolete curricula. NIMASA is determined to review and benchmark against globally accepted standards to ensure Nigerian seafarers’ certification enjoys international recognition,” Dr. Mobereola stated.

He reiterated NIMASA’s commitment to supporting the Academy in producing highly skilled seafarers, stressing that human capital development remains central to the growth of Nigeria’s Blue Economy.

In response, Engr. Akinola highlighted that MAN, Oron, is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and continues to rank among Africa’s leading maritime training institutions. He revealed that the Academy has developed a five-year development plan, which includes acquiring a training vessel to enhance cadets’ practical learning.

The Chairman also disclosed that the Liberian Maritime Administration and a Liberian maritime training institute recently visited MAN, Oron, and expressed interest in collaborating. This partnership would enable Nigerian cadets to undertake sea-time training onboard Liberian-flagged vessels, providing them with vital international exposure and strengthening their competitiveness in the global maritime labour market.