The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has reiterated its dedication to providing quality training for beneficiaries of the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP).
The agency’s Director General, Dr. Mobereola, dismissed media reports claiming that NIMASA plans to withdraw NSDP cadets from Centurion University in India, stating that the agency is merely conducting due diligence on the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to ensure the best interests of Nigerian students are protected.
Dr. Mobereola emphasized that NIMASA is not recalling any NSDP beneficiaries from Centurion University but rather working to address gaps in the existing MoU.
He cited issues such as non-accreditation of one of the institutions, changes to course duration and content without agency consent, and concerns related to funding and third-party arrangements.
The NIMASA DG also acknowledged a sponsored media campaign against the agency’s management, stating that it will not deter NIMASA from prioritizing the safety and wellbeing of its students.
The NSDP, introduced in 2009, aims to develop capacity by training young Nigerians as seafarers and address the global shortage of qualified seafarers.
