Joyce Mmereole Okoli
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has reaffirmed its dedication to providing high-quality training for beneficiaries of the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP), dispelling recent media reports that claimed the agency was planning to withdraw Nigerian cadets from Centurion University in India.
In a statement issued by the NIMASA Director General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, strongly refuted the allegations, labeling them as false and part of a wider campaign to undermine the agency’s efforts.
According to Dr. Mobereola, the agency is not recalling any of the 296 NSDP beneficiaries currently studying at Centurion University. Instead, NIMASA is conducting due diligence on the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to ensure that the program aligns with the best interests of Nigerian students.
“We are not recalling any NSDP beneficiary from Centurion University. We are only working to close out all identified gaps in the existing MoU before proceeding to the next stage.
“A situation where the agency entered into a contractual agreement with Springdale Academy of Maritime Education and Training (SAMET) with agreed courses and timelines, only to be faced with additional course duration and an alien program by the agent SAMET, unilaterally converting the program without the consent of the agency, may not be in the best interest of the students,” said Mobereola.
Dr. Mobereola further explained that issues such as non-accreditation of certain institutions at the time of the MoU’s execution, unauthorized changes to course content, and the extension of study periods were some of the reasons prompting the agency to reassess the agreement. These issues have raised concerns about the potential impact on students’ education and future employment opportunities.
The NIMASA DG also acknowledged the existence of a media campaign aimed at discrediting the agency’s management but insisted that such efforts would not deter NIMASA from doing what is right for its students.
“We are aware of orchestrated media campaigns and petitions against the agency reviewing the existing arrangement. We will not give in to blackmail as the safety and well-being of our students are paramount,” Dr. Mobereola affirmed.
The Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme was established in 2009 to address the global shortage of seafarers by training young Nigerians in specialized maritime courses, including Marine Engineering, Nautical Sciences, and Nautical Surveys. The program aims to produce highly qualified seafarers who are employable worldwide.