He stated this when a delegation from the University paid a
visit to NIMASA Management in Lagos and noted that despite handing over the
university to the National University Commission,(NUC) the Agency is committed
to supporting NMU by completing projects it initiated in the University.
While advising the Management of NMU to seek national and international accreditations to ensure certificates from the school enjoy
global recognition, Jamoh urged NMU management to seek collaboration with the
World Maritime University,(WMU) amongst other specialized higher institutions
of learning.
“Nigeria Maritime University can conveniently bridge the gap
in terms of human capacity deficiency in the Nigerian Maritime sector. All you
need to do as management is to seek collaboration with similar specialized
institutions and ensure that NMU certificates enjoy global recognition. Our
goal is to seek top level manpower development from NMU instead of the current
situation where institutions abroad are preferred to Nigerian based.”
The NIMASA DG noted that despite handing over the University
to the National University Commission, the Agency still makes budgetary
provisions for NMU to ensure the completion of projects NIMASA initiated in the
university. “Our belief is that a
well-funded NMU will greatly enhance youth employment and engagement
particularly in the Niger Delta Region of the country. Our financial commitment
to NMU is based on principle of capacity development.” He said.
Commenting on the Modular Floating Dock, the NIMASA boss
noted that experts from the manufacturers of the Floating Dock have been in
Nigeria for over a month working on the nitty gritty of deploying the dockyard.
He also informed the NMU Management that the facility will be available for
students from the University for practical experience when it becomes
functional.
“Experts from the firm that built the Modular Floating
Dockyard have been in Nigeria for quite a while now, providing technical
support and working on how to deploy the dockyard productively. When I gave
them a deadline recently, I was given professional counsel not to rush the
deployment. If we have waited this long, we might as well wait a while longer
and ensure we don’t regret a deployment in a hurry. Our students from NMU and
other institutions will be welcomed for practical experience in mechanical,
electrical, welding, and other areas when we begin full operation.” he said.
Dr Jamoh also disclosed that a proposal to convert the
NIMASA Science and Technical college Okoloba to a campus of the Nigerian
Maritime University is under consideration. “Our facilities at the Science and
Technical College Okoloba in Delta State are grossly being underutilized. A
proposal to hand over the facility to the Management of the University is under
consideration.”
On his part, the Chairman of the NMU governing board who was
represented by Alhaji Bello Dukku Salihu said that, “the school is in the
process of signing an MoU with the Ghana Maritime University commended NIMASA
for constantly supporting the University.
He and team members who spoke expressed delight at
clarification about the Modular Floating Dockyard which they had perceived
belonged to the school.” With better understanding about the history and
technicalities involved in the Floating dockyard, we are satisfied with the
steps NIMASA management is taking”, the representative of the board chairman of
NMU posited.
According to the statement sent to The Ameh News and
endorsed by Osagie Edward, Assistant Director, Public Relations of NIMASA saying