Protest: Student Group Seeks End to Overseas Training for Maritime Workers, Improved Infrastructure at NMU
The National Association of Nigerian Maritime Students (NANMS) has demanded an end to overseas training for staff and improved infrastructure at the Nigeria Maritime University (NMU).
In a peaceful protest held at the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) headquarters in Victoria Island, Lagos, the maritime students alleged that the university was being neglected and that the maritime traineeship programs being sent abroad should be redirected to NMU.
The students demanded that NIMASA release the training floating dock to NMU, which they believe will provide the practical training infrastructure their curriculum demands.
They also called for sea-time training opportunities for students across all maritime institutions in Nigeria, the implementation of a national cadetship program that is inclusive, transparent, and merit-based, and creation of employment pathways for maritime graduates.
Oniel Abraham and Cletus Douglas, in separate address on behalf of the association, emphasised that the current state of NMU is unacceptable and the government must take immediate action to address the challenges facing the institution.
They believe that the university has the potential to produce world-class maritime professionals, but this can only be achieved if the government invests in the necessary infrastructure and training facilities.
“We are not asking for the moon, we are asking for the basic facilities that will enable us to acquire the skills and knowledge required to excel in the maritime industry,” said Abraham.
“The government must prioritize the development of NMU and provide the necessary support to ensure that our institution becomes a center of excellence for maritime education in Africa.
“The future of Nigeria’s maritime industry depends on the quality of training that our students receive. If we don’t invest in our institutions and provide our students with the necessary skills and knowledge, we will be compromising the future of our industry.”
Douglas added: “We urge the government to take immediate action to address our demands. The government must take immediate action to address the challenges facing NMU and the maritime industry as a whole.
“The ball is in their court. We hope that they will take our demands seriously and take immediate action to address the challenges facing NMU and the maritime industry. We are willing to work with the government to find solutions to these challenges”
