By Edward Adamidenyo, Abuja Bureau Chief
The Nigerian Navy (NN), on Wednesday, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), with the University of Lagos on advanced training on hydrographic and oceanographic survey training.
The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo signed for the Nigerian Navy, while the Vice-Chancellor, University of Lagos, Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe endorsed the document on behalf of UNILAG in a brief ceremony at Naval Headquarters, Abuja.
Vice Admiral Gambo noted that the availability of skilled hydrographic manpower, as well as requisite survey platforms and equipment in any nation enhances capability to explore and exploit the resources of the sea, conduct coastal zone management, develop shore approaches, and advance maritime security.
The Navy Chief explained that optimal execution of these activities, supports various maritime economic engagements, which generate revenue for economic growth. He stated that effective exploitation of the maritime domain for economic development is hinged largely on effective hydrographic survey capabilities.
Noting that partnering with the academia, particularly the University of Lagos, will ensure the production of skilled manpower and the advancement of Nigeria’s hydrographic practice in line with global standards, the CNS observed that adequate training of hydrographers remains the fundamental pillar for attaining maximum capacity.
According to him: “Nigeria’s need for hydroponic manpower has never been more prominent than in this present time.
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This is because the recent acquisition of a 60m Offshore Hydrographic Vessel -NNS Lana, which has since commenced the survey of Nigeria’s offshore waters, and another 35m survey ship due to join NN fleet in 2023, together with ongoing survey and charting of lower River Niger and Benue, Lekki and Lagos Lagoons, as well as other survey activities conducted by other stakeholders within Nigeria, requires enough skilled hydrographic manpower to drive maximum value for allocated funds.
He posited that government desire to open up the country’s internal waters, through systematic hydrographic survey and charting, for more robust maritime economic development and the recent establishment of new naval bases in security prone communities with predominantly uncharted rivers, as well as the proposed establishment of the National Hydrographic Agency calls for increased human capacity building”.
The CNS also stated that the Nigerian Navy Hydrographic Department is most suited for the training partnership with the Institute for Maritime Studies of the University of Lagos.
In his response, Prof Ogundipe appealed to the Nigerian Navy to help provide hydrographic materials for students of Maritime Studies.
He also told the CNS that the university would be needing the services of qualified hydrographic personnel to serve as facilitators.
