Foremost private capacity building institute, Stars Maritime Academy (SMA) over the weekend graduated a total of 80 students for the 2022 session.
The graduands were drawn from Nautical Sciences, Shipping Management and Marine Engineering.
Speaking at the Passing Out Parade (POP) ceremony in Itele, Ogun State on Saturday, Rector of the Academy, Dr. Reuben Ovai reiterated that the industry has what it takes to employ millions of Nigerians with maritime requisite knowledge and educational qualification , even as he stressed the need for the establishment of more maritime training schools from both the public and private sector.
Ovai charged the graduating students to explore the shipping communities for job placement locally and internationally, noting that the sector has numerous opportunities that can absorb thousands of youths.
While addressing the graduands on future endeavours, Ovai admonished that ” You should continue to knock the doors of maritime organisations because the opportunities are there to tap into. Don’t go home and drop your dreams by waiting for somebody to offer you employment . Continue to explore and knock at the doors by yourself”.
According to him, the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN) Oron, Akwa Ibom state cannot address the yearnings of Nigerians who are desirous for maritime education pointing out ex-students from SMA are thriving in their various place of work.
Ovai who also doubles as the Rector Stars Polytechnic Ogun State maintained that “The truth is that only one maritime institution cannot fill in the vacuum of maritime training..
“The problem in Nigeria is that only MAN Oron cannot cater for the youths who want maritime training. It is myopic for government not to create awareness for other existing maritime schools.
“MAN Oron alone cannot cater for one third of students yearning for maritime education and training in Nigeria, therefore it is important for the government to support other schools with the same vision and mission”,Ovai reiterated.
He noted that the Nigerian maritime sector has what it takes to be the hub of shipping activities in the west and central Africa sub region.
He also commended the Nigerian Liquidfied and Natural Gas (NLNG) for the employment of Nigerian seafarers aboard her vessels adding that government has a major role to play to support the industry development.
By Roland Ekama
