By Faridat Salifu
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has reaffirmed its dedication to the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP), emphasising that it remains committed to providing high-quality training for the 296 Nigerian students currently enrolled at Centurion University in India.
The agency’s Director General, Dr Mobereola, clarified NIMASA’s stance amid recent media reports suggesting these students withdrew from the program.
In a detailed statement issued on Wednesday, Dr. Mobereola described the claims of an imminent withdrawal as baseless, asserting that NIMASA is merely undertaking a thorough review of the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Centurion University and the Springdale Academy of Maritime Education and Training (SAMET).
He said this review is to ensure that the training provided aligns with the original agreements and serves the best interests of the Nigerian students.
“We are not recalling any NSDP beneficiary from Centurion University,” Dr. Mobereola stated. “Our focus is on addressing all identified gaps in the MoU before advancing to the next phase. The agency had agreed to specific courses and timelines with SAMET, but we were confronted with unauthorised changes, including extended course durations and the introduction of unapproved programs. These deviations do not align with our agreement and could jeopardise the student’s future.”
A critical issue the NIMASA DG raised was the non-accreditation of certain courses when the MoU was signed.
Additionally, SAMET’s unilateral decision to change students’ courses from Marine Engineering to Mechanical Engineering without the agency’s consent posed significant challenges.
According to Dr. Mobereola, these changes risk extending the students’ academic timelines and introducing uncertainties regarding their qualifications and employability.
“These actions by SAMET, which include altering the agreed-upon course of study and extending the duration of the program, have created financial and logistical complications for both the students and the agency.
Furthermore, third-party arrangements were made without adequately informing NIMASA, raising further concerns about the transparency and integrity of the program,” he added.
Addressing the broader issue of media reports and criticisms, Dr. Mobereola acknowledged that NIMASA is aware of ongoing campaigns intended to discredit the agency’s management.
He clarified that such tactics would not sway NIMASA and remain focused on safeguarding the students’ interests.
“We are fully aware of the orchestrated media campaigns and petitions aimed at pressuring the agency into abandoning its review of the current arrangements. However, we will not succumb to blackmail. The safety, well-being, and prospects of our students are our top priorities,” he declared.
Dr. Mobereola reiterated that the NSDP, launched in 2009, remains a cornerstone of Nigeria’s efforts to build maritime capacity and address the global shortage of seafarers.
Through the program, Nigerian youths receive training in specialised fields such as marine engineering, nautical sciences, and nautical surveys, which equip them with the skills necessary to qualify as seafarers and secure employment in the global maritime industry.
Despite the challenges, NIMASA’s commitment to the NSDP remains unwavering. The agency continues to work towards ensuring that Nigerian students receive the best possible training and are adequately prepared to meet the demands of the global maritime sector.
As the review continues, Dr Mobereola emphasised that NIMASA’s ultimate goal is to secure the future of Nigerian seafarers and maintain the integrity of the NSDP.
He reassured the public that the agency was taking all necessary steps to resolve the issues while keeping the student’s best interests at the forefront.
“Our mission is clear: to develop a robust, globally competitive cadre of Nigerian seafarers. We will continue to take all necessary actions to fulfil this mandate, ensuring that our students receive the highest quality education and training,” Dr Mobereola concluded.
With these assurances, NIMASA aims to dispel doubts about its commitment to the NSDP and reaffirm its role as a key player in developing Nigeria’s maritime sector.