IBBUL Seeks Partnership With Nigerian Navy To Strengthen Maritime Studies, Practical Training

Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, has sought partnership with the Nigerian Navy aimed at strengthening maritime studies and practical training at the Institute of Maritime Studies in the University.

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Mohammed Hadi Sulaiman, stated this when he led a delegation of the University's Management on a courtesy visit to the Chief of the Naval Staff at the Nigerian Navy Defence Headquarters, Abuja.

According to him, the proposed partnership is expected to provide opportunities for practical training, professional certification and research through access to specialised naval facilities, including simulators, laboratories, vessels, libraries and other maritime training resources.

The Vice-Chancellor also said the University is seeking collaboration with the Nigerian Navy in areas such as navigation, seamanship, ship handling, maritime security, emergency response and training in accordance with international maritime standards.

Recall that the Institute was established following the approval granted to the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) by the National Assembly in April 2012. It was conceived to address manpower shortages in Nigeria's maritime industry.

Professor Hadi stressed that its location in Lapai was informed by the area's proximity to the historic Baro Port, while its mandate covers certificate, diploma, degree and postgraduate programmes in maritime-related disciplines.

The proposed collaboration, he maintained, is expected to further strengthen the Institute's capacity, enhance students' exposure to practical maritime operations and support the development of skilled manpower for Nigeria's maritime sector.

Responding, the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, expressed the Nigerian Navy's readiness to support Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University in strengthening the Institute of Maritime Studies through the provision of relevant training facilities and learning resources. He promised to facilitate the provision of maritime simulators, navigation charts, electronic books, textbooks and training manuals to enhance teaching, research and professional development at the Institute.

The Chief of the Naval Staff also pledged the provision of training boats, life jackets, lifebuoys, life rafts and other essential safety equipment to support students' practical training. He further assured the University of the Navy's willingness to collaborate in developing relevant academic curricula to meet professional and international maritime training standards, while expressing interest in encouraging some naval personnel to enrol for the Postgraduate Diploma programme in Maritime Law at the University.

He also promised to direct relevant naval commanders to facilitate the proposed training collaboration, particularly through the Nigerian Naval Engineering College, Sapele, and onboard naval ships. The arrangement is expected to expose students to practical maritime operations, ship handling, safety procedures and emergency response, thereby strengthening the University's capacity to produce graduates equipped with the technical knowledge and practical skills required in the maritime industry.