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NIMASA Begins Review Of 32-Year-Old Maritime Training Curriculum To Meet Global Standards
By Prince Benson Davies
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, has commenced a review of the curriculum used by maritime training institutions in Nigeria to improve training quality and strengthen international recognition for Nigerian seafarers.
The Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, disclosed this during a visit by the Governing Council of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, MAN, Oron, led by its Chairman, Engr. Kehinde Akinola, to the agency’s headquarters in Lagos.
Mobereola said the agency had started work on reviewing the Standard Training, Certification and Watchkeeping, STCW 2017, curriculum currently in use across the country.
He noted that Nigerian maritime training institutions have operated with the same curriculum for more than three decades, and that the review will align training with internationally accepted standards.
“Updating this curriculum is critical to ensuring that Nigerian seafarers remain competitive and that their certificates are globally recognized,” he said.
The DG stressed the need for closer collaboration between NIMASA and MAN Oron in developing skilled manpower to support the growth of Nigeria’s maritime industry and the Blue Economy. He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to the training and career advancement of Nigerian seafarers through the Academy.
In his response, Engr. Akinola said MAN Oron has modern facilities and remains one of Africa’s leading maritime training institutions. He disclosed that the Academy has developed a five-year development plan that includes the acquisition of a training vessel to enhance practical training for cadets.
Akinola also revealed that the Liberian Maritime Administration and a Liberian maritime training institution recently visited the Academy and expressed interest in partnering with MAN.
He said the proposed partnership would provide opportunities for Nigerian cadets to undertake sea-time training aboard Liberian-flagged vessels.
According to him, the arrangement will give cadets more practical exposure and improve their competitiveness in the international maritime labour market.
Stakeholders say the curriculum review, combined with new international partnerships, is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s maritime training system and create more opportunities for Nigerian seafarers in the global shipping industry.
