The Director General Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA),? Mr. Patrick Akpobolokemi has said that the agency would partner with IBB University, Lapai to establish Institute of Maritime Studies at the university.
The Director General who led the management of the agency to the Niger State governor Dr Muazu Babangida Aliyu over the weekend on a courtesy visit, stated that the proposed institute at the university would award Bachelor degree and post graduate Diploma in Maritime studies.
He said that the institute would be solely funded by NIMASA but required the government to provide the conducive environment and the security needed for the institute to strive.
Akpobolokemi disclosed that the plan was to develop the institute to an international standard that would produce seafarers that would distinguish themselves in maritime world.
According to him a situation where by the maritime sector of the country was dominated by Indians and other nationals of foreign countries could only be corrected when efforts were made to train Nigerians in the sector.
He assured that those who would graduate from the institute would have automatic employment and therefore thanked the Niger State government for keying into the Nigeria Seafarers Development Project (NSDP).
Meanwhile, to ensure a smooth take of the institute, Governor Aliyu had immediately set up? a 8-man interface committee with the vice chancellor of the university,? Proffessor Ibrahim Adamu Kolo as the chairman.