Oyetola Pledges to Resolve Seafarers’ Seatime Challenge as 157 Cadets Graduate from the Maritime Academy

L-R: Best overall graduating Cadets, Igweike Nkem Jeremiah; Rector, Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Commodore Duja Effedua (rtd); representative of Minister of Marine & Blue Economy, Babatunde Bombata; Deputy Chairman

, House Committee on Maritime Safety, Education and Administration, Rt. Hon. Usual Alfonsos and another graduating Cadet pose for photos during the 2023 Graduation ceremony of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, Akwa Ibom State

The Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola has pledged to resolve the protracted sea-time challenge faced by Nigerian seafarers even as 157 cadets on Thursday, graduated from the Maritime Academy of Nigeria in Oron, Akwa Ibom State.

Oyetola who made this commitment on Thursday while speaking during the 2023 Cadets Graduation ceremony expressed confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration’s capacity to tackle the sea time difficulty of cadets and promised to announce a policy programme to this effect shortly.  

Sea time is a mandatory academic requirement that demands seafarers to have firsthand practical experience onboard ships.

Addressing the 157 graduands of class 2023 and guests, the minister said maritime industry plays a pivotal role in the national economic growth and development and relies on the seafarers to maintain her integrity and reputation as a maritime state of note.

I am deeply honoured to stand before you today as we celebrate the remarkable achievement of the youthful men and women who are about to embark on a new chapter of their lives. Today is not just a day of graduation; it is a day of commencement, a day that symbolises the dedication, hard work, and resilience that these cadets have exhibited throughout their rigorous training. To the graduating cadets, I extend my heartfelt congratulations. You have successfully navigated the challenges of the maritime academy, proving your mettle and commitment to this noble profession.  As you stand on the threshold of a maritime career, remember that the sea is vast and unpredictable, much like the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. Your training here has equipped you with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate these waters with precision and expertise. The maritime industry plays a pivotal role in the economic growth and development of our nation and it relies on individual like you to maintain the integrity and reputation of the industry. I also want to acknowledge the dedication of the staff of the Academy for their unwavering commitment to shaping the future leaders of our maritime sector. Your guidance has been instrumental in nurturing these cadets into skilled and responsible professionals. Let me also assure you that the commitment of this administration to the transformation of the maritime industry is genuine. It is considered as one of the key drivers of the renewed hope agenda, therefore, prioritizing the maritime sector is a strategic move that can yield multifaceted benefits, impacting economic, social, and environmental aspects while contributing to the overall development and competitiveness of a nation and can provide Economic Growth; Job Creation; Trade Facilitation; Diversification of the Economy. Ladies and gentlemen, I am still receiving briefing from both within and outside the Ministry on the issues of challenges of placing our cadets on sea-time and I assure you that a definite policy programme would be produced to resolve this. This would no doubt help in closing the gap for the manpower in the maritime sector. As you are aware, the present administration has created a new Ministry for Marine and Blue Economy with the aim of promoting sustainable harnessing of our ocean resources. Therefore, all hands must be on deck to reposition the Ministry in line with global best practices. In conclusion, I have full confidence that the graduating cadets will make significant contributions to the maritime industry, elevating its standards and fostering a culture of excellence. Your success will not only be a testament to your abilities but also a source of pride for our nation. Once again, congratulations to the Graduates, may your sails be filled with the winds of success, and may you navigate the seas of life with courage, integrity, and a steadfast commitment to excellence", Oyetola who was represented by the Director, Maritime Safety and Security, Babatunde Bombata stated.

Delivering the graduation lecture earlier, the Rector of Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Commodore Duja Effedua (Rtd), urged the graduating cadets to show professionalism and humility as they navigate their career paths.

He said the quality of training at the Academy as well as the state-of-the-art facilities and technologies available at the Academy is at par and in some cases is beyond those available in most maritime training institutions around the world.

Every course that is done abroad for pre-sea training is also done at the Academy and the facilities we have are first-class. We also offer simulator based courses which aren't done in any other country in West Africa. Nigeria is presently on the White List of the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Abuja MoU recognizes us. We have so many cadets all around the world.  IMO donates books frequently because they recognize our Academy," the Rector said.

Effedua also mentioned that the Academy has muted the idea of running night-time programmes and other alternative programmes to cater for the influx of students as the Academy is already oversubscribed for the 2024 academic year.

President of the National Association of Master Mariners, Capt. Tajudeen Alao, who acknowledged the role the Academy has played in preparing the cadets for a great career and enormous opportunities in the Blue Economy, also urged the Rector to finetune the Academy's curriculum to meet current realities and demands.

He counselled the graduands to be good ambassador of the country and to shun vices even as the association donated N100,000 each to best graduating cadets in both National Diploma and Higher National Diploma.

The Industry is further challenging you to quickly fine tune the Academy Curriculum because the world is transforming from Green Economy to Blue Economy. The challenges ahead are enormous. There would be tough times always. There would be frustration tendencies. There would be temptation to give up. But always remember that the Academy has moulded your character to stand up to these challenges. The Academy has prepared you for the vagaries of the Seas- rough weather and japa  tendencies - abandon ship abroad to marry locals, and temptations on the job , social vices of drug peddling, arms smuggling, human trafficking and cargo theft. More importantly, the Academy has prepared you for a great career and enormous opportunities in the Blue Economy.  Remember that you are Ambassadors of MAN Oron and Nigeria, wherever your ships sail to world wide, please do not cause pollution of the Ocean in the course of discharging your duties onboard.  Always keep these golden points to your chest that success comes with hardwork - not luck, not shortcut; Patience..is a price to pay for a successful career, otherwise you loose out," the NAMM National President stated.