The flag-off ceremony of the training which was held in the Cadets’ Smoke Room of the Academy also had as key co-signatories to the joint-venture agreement, Agip Oil Company (NAOC) and Oando Oil Ltd.
Expressing appreciation to the joint-venture partners on behalf of the management staff, cadets and students of MAN, Oron, the Acting Rector, Dr Mkpandiok Mkpandiok said it was gladdening to see a dream become a reality.
Speaking further on the importance of the joint-partnership in the training of cadets, Dr Mkpandiok emphasised that the core mandate of the Academy remains the development of manpower for the Nigerian maritime industry and allied industries of which NAOC, Oando and indeed the NNPC are cardinal members. In spite of this important mandate, the acting rector, however, regretted that the institution has over the years been denied basic instruments and professional trainings for efficiency and competitiveness in the global maritime sector.
Such according to the acting rector include lack of national fleet, poor policy, lack of training berths and training ship for the academy. Other deficiencies experienced by the academy also include survival training pool, poorly equipped e-library, and simulators. He however expressed the hope that “In view of the significance of the partnership, there is a compelling need to raise the bar in the quality of services rendered to end-users. We strongly believe that this will put us in a better position to continue to provide that quality of maritime training and education that competes favourably on the global maritime landscape,” Mkpandiok assured.
Speaking on behalf of OANDO Oil Ltd., Mr. Massimo Insulla who represented the company’s Managing Director, disclosed that OANDO has always been an active partner and contributor to the manpower development of youth from the host communities in particular and the Nigerian maritime sector in general, as well as critical stakes in the Nigerian power sector. He highlighted that, apart from the over 280 youths from the Niger Delta host communities currently engaged in diverse training programmes, other components and achievements of the Eni Marine Capacity Development Initiative include construction of a marine laboratory (comprising 3 workshops, simulation rooms, meeting rooms, and offices) in 2016, and practical sea-time training programme that was inaugurated in early 2017. On the essence of the joint-partnership with MAN, Oron, Mr. Insulla stated that “the event is extremely important as it is the first in the history of capacity building programs sponsored by the Joint Venture.” He therefore reiterated the company’s commitment to its success.
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