Training Collabo:  MAN Receives Another Set of NMU Students

BY GBOGBOWA GBOWA

Cdre Effedua, Rector MAN

In fulfillment of its statutory mandate to train and groom competent middle level manpower for the maritime, oil and gas industry needs, the nation’s premier maritime education and training centre, the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN) has received yet another batch of trainees from the Nigeria Maritime University (NMU) Okerenkoko, Delta State last Sunday.

According to a release signed by the Academy’s Head of Public Relations Officer, Ms. Domo Umoekpe and made available to our reporter, she  informed that the existing established wide range and robust training collaboration  for the maritime and allied industry by the management is on course, and called on industry operators and related institutions to continue to avail themselves of the opportunity; which she says is at little or no cost.

Training with underwater helicopter

It will be recalled that in 2023, MAN received some students of the NMU for training in various operational tasks; deploying the Academy’s state-of-the-art training facilities.

The statement reads: “In fulfillment of its statutory mandate, the nation’s premier maritime education and training centre, the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, has continued producing  competent workforce needed for the smooth operations of the Maritime and Allied Industries, this is even as the institution received yet another batch of trainees from the Nigeria Maritime University, NMU, Okerenkoko, Delta State last Sunday.

“This, also, is in fulfillment of the solemn commitment of the Institution to forge training collaborations with interested maritime institutions that would want to take advantage of the Academy’s state-of-the-art training facilities, in training their students to fast track national maritime education development.”

It will be recalled also that Rector of the Academy, Commodore Duja Emmanuel Effedua (Rtd), had earlier reiterated that the Academy under his watch would not hesitate to offer training to students of interested maritime institutions at subsidised rate.

This is in consideration of the current capacity of the Academy to offer quality maritime education and training due to it’s possession of the latest training facilities for practical learning.

He said,  “We have acquired state-of-the-art Simulators- the Full Mission Bridge Simulator, the Full Mission Engine Room Simulator, Ocular Vision Simulator and the Multifunctional Classroom: this is the latest training simulator composed of eight simulators which can seat up to thirty trainees at a time.

“The entire maritime industry, including the Oil and Gas sector have a lot to gain from these equipment.  Also, our Refresher Courses are now more than we used to have and are available on a higher and improved scale.”

He however pointed out and for obvious reasons that “We are not in competition with other maritime institutions, for the sake of national development of our maritime sub-sector, we are open to discussions with similar institutions that may wish to take advantage of our equipment to improve on their training, ” he added.

Cadets in classroom assignments  

On his part, the NMU SIWES Coordinator, Dr.  John Eru, commended the Rector of the Academy for not just equipping the School with state-of-the-art training facilities but for also providing a beautiful, conducive and serene environment for pleasurable learning.

The NMU students in a group picture at MAN

He noted that the training collaboration between NMU and MAN has given their students the rare privilege of having a feel of real life on-board experiences during simulation classes at the simulators, jetty,  fire bay and swimming pool as well as other multiple positive impacts on their learning experiences.

Dr. Eru also applauded the Rector’s commitment at not reneging on his promise of offering discounted charges on the course fees, which according to him, is what the Academy is charging their students.

A cross section of the NMU students in classroom tutorial

His words,  “The training collaboration with the Academy is very positive for our students financially, physically and educationally. Firstly, they get to save some money from what the Academy is charging them, secondly, the aspect of regimentation gives them a sense of real discipline which is what is required on board a vessel and finally, the practical training sessions with simulators, swimming pool, fire bay and jetty, equip them with the practical knowledge which will be very helpful to them when faced with real life situations on board.

“Your training facilities are top notch, the Rector has done really well in acquiring them, any trainee who takes advantage of them definitely gets value for his or her money. The Academy has been very magnanimous to us, so on behalf of our Vice Chancellor and the entire school, I want to express our sincere appreciation to the Rector and his Management for this kind gesture”, the Coordinator said.

The Academy image maker informed that the present set would be the fourth batch of NMU Students coming to train at the place, adding that more batches are being expected.

She explained that the three weeks programme will expose the students to training in different courses that will earn them certification in STCW Basic and Advanced Mandatory Courses.