As Rector offers NMU Cadets Access To Modern Simulators

The Vice Chancellor of the Nigeria Maritime University, NMU, Okerenkoko, Prof. Emmanuel Adigio has commended the Rector of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, MAN, Commodore Duja Effedua Emmanuel (rtd) on his efforts at restructuring and catapulting MAN from a floundering, wandering, haunted, submerged school and transforming it into a  foremost Maritime/Oil and Gas world class training Institution within a few years in office.

Speaking during a tour of the Academy by NMU Cadets and Lecturers, the VC, represented by the Dean, School of Maritime Transport and Logistics, Dr. Victor Omoke expressed surprise and infectious joy at the unfolding transformation at MAN.

The Rector (Left) with Dean, School of Maritime Transport and Logistics ,NMU Dr. Victor Omoke during the visit

Dr. Omoke classified the quality of educational and infrastructural facilities put in place by the Rector in the Academy as second to none in the Country and hard to find within the West African sub region and beyond.

He opined that the class of leaders in the likes of Commodore Effedua (Rtd.) are what Nigerians desire, adding that Nigeria needed to replicate his likes in every sector of the economy for speedy positive changes.

In the VC words “I visited the Academy few years ago and it was nothing compared to what I have seen today. The transformation is massive, unimaginable and unbelievable. This is the kind of leaders Nigerians have been praying for; I believe that hard work, productivity, efficiency, transparency and ability to deliver are rare traits which should be lauded and encouraged when found in any leader”.

The Rector flanked by Cadets and Lecturers of MAN and NMU

“In Nigeria, people crave for second term even when they did not achieve much in their first tenure, I am of the  opinion that  second term should be considered on the strength of ones performance during the first term, I want to add that from all indications you deserve a second term,” the NMU VC said

He explained that the aim of the educational tour was to expose their Cadets to hands-on experience in the maritime industry and therefore expressed his Management’s desire to collaborate with the Academy in the area of training, since the Academy has the required facilities that would help NMU achieve such objectives.

In his brief remarks, the Rector who attributed his achievements in the Academy to the cooperation of his Staff and Management, said he was able to achieve all what he has achieved with the funds he got from blocking financial loopholes that existed in the system before his assumption in office.

The Rector advised the NMU Cadets to shun acts of cultism and other social vices inimical to their studies and future. He charged them to justify the pains and sacrifices made by their parents in funding their studies. “You must make your parents and the country proud”, the Rector said.

The Rector is of the view that considering the fact that both institutions have similar mandates, collaboration in the area of training would be a welcomed development since NMU Cadets would have the opportunity of taking advantage of the state-of-the-arts educational facilities in the Academy to enhance their practical training.

He therefore said that as part of its contribution to fast track the partnership process the Academy would offer free accommodation and reduced fees for NMU Cadets who would take up Mandatory/Short Courses in the Academy.

“Initially when I was appointed as Rector, I was distressed and worried because of where and how the Academy was then. By working day and night alongside my wonderful colleagues at the Academy, I am happy to say that we have made very significant changes and improvements.  Your school can take advantage of the facilities we have here. Whatever we can do for your school to help develop the Nigerian maritime industry would be done, our doors are open, Effedua said.

Facilities visited by the NMU team were MAN’s Firebay, Jetty, Multi-functional Classroom Simulator, Full Mission Bridge /Engine Room Simulators, ICT/Resource Centre, Survival Training and Swimming Pool, Smart Classrooms/Lecture theatres and Cadets Hostels.

The elated Cadets and NMU lecturers could not help wondering if they were in Nigeria as they were dazed by the ambience, serenity, greenery, coziness and classic status which the Academy has earned and being noted for under the leadership of cdr Duja Effedua.