Jamoh said this after the agency renewed its Memorandum of
Understanding, MoU, with the World Maritime University, WMU, Malmo.
Speaking after signing the MoU virtually, Jamoh noted that
there is no substitute to education. “The Collaboration with the World Maritime
University by NIMASA is to advance maritime interest while addressing the
changing needs of the maritime industry based on sustainable capacity
development; aseducation, training and capacity building play a major role in
developing shipping in any nation”, he said.
Dr. Jamoh used the opportunity to reveal that the Agency is
at an advanced stage in setting up a Regional Maritime Safety and Security
Research Center to enhance research works.
The centre is to take care of capacity development in 25
African countries. “Graduates from the WMU who are in the employ of the Agency
will serve as Researchers and Resource Persons, Sharing knowledge and hopefully
develop a research based sustainable framework to provide solution to issues of
insecurity in the Gulf of Guinea.
The NIMASA Regional Maritime Safety and Security Research
Center will be a center of excellence in research and we will collaborate and
cooperate with other countries”.
President of the World Maritime University, WMU, Dr. Cleopatra Doumbia-Hen |
On her part, the President of the WMU, Dr.Cleopatra Doumbia- Henry noted that NIMASA is playing a leading role in developing capacity for the maritime industry in the Gulf of Guinea region. Shecommended Nigerian students who have passed through the University, welcomed the agreement and added that NIMASA is one of the first supporters of WMU.
Accordingly, she stated that the initiative also supports
the WMU’s commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“Nigeria leads, others follow. WMU is delighted to be
associated with NIMASA and its work which extends beyond national boundaries,
and has a significant effect on the whole region.
“We are also pleased to have such a successful and warm
relationship with NIMASA and its staff – it is a perfect example of
international cooperation for sustainable growth. I look forward to the
fruitful outcome of our collaborative efforts as articulated in the Memorandum
and based on the principles of equity, reciprocity and mutual benefit.”
The agreement provides for maritime education, training,
research and capacity building for officers of NIMASA with at least 10 officers
funded annually by the Agency to study at WMU in the MSc in Maritime Affairs
programme based in Malmo, Sweden.
In addition, NIMASA will sponsor at least one officer per
year to study in the WMU/IMLI MPhil programme in International Maritime Law and
Ocean Policy.
The agreement also provides for WMU to develop and organize
short-term, specialized Executive Professional Development Courses, EPDCs for
NIMASA officers.