By Kingsley Chukwuka
Academic exchange will be shared between the Nigerian Defence Academy and the Nigeria Maritime University, the Commandant of the Academy, Maj. Gen. Maj. Gen. Ibrahim Yusuf, has said.
The exchange programme will be sealed with a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), a statement signed by Major Jajira, the Academy Public Relations Officer, said.
The MOU is between the NDA and the Maritime Gbaramatu, Delta State and will see both institutions collaborate in academic exchange, research and logistics support, among other areas.
“This collaboration is the result of a series of visits and exchange of correspondences by both institutions over several weeks”, the statement said.
In his remarks, Gen Yusuf expressed satisfaction with the level of facilities and programmes both institutions stand to benefit as the MoU becomes operational.
Yusuf thanked the Vice Chancellor of the Maritime University for initiating the collaboration, noting that both institution will benefit in the areas of research, logistics, exchange of research persons, staff capacity development, among others.
He assured the Vice Chancellor that NDA will ensure full compliance with the agreements of the MOU.
He added that, the MOU is timely as the Academy will implement the programmes in its next academic session which is due to commence shortly.
On his own part , the Vice Chancellor, Nigerian Maritime University, Gbaramatu, Delta State, Professor Emmanuel Munakurogha Adigio, appreciated the effort of the Commandant NDA in ensuring that the MOU becomes a reality.
“We are grateful for this wonderful reception, interest and collaboration that started some weeks ago”.
According to him, the MoU will be profitable for both institutions, especially in the areas of safety and security in the maritime industry and in general terms.
He said the collaboration will go a long way in cementing the relationship between the two institutions through the exchange of programmes, resources and staff, particularly in the light of the facilities on ground in both institutions.
Also speaking at the event, the Academy Director of Linkages and collaboration Professor BJ Ajibuah, who spoke on the areas of capacity building and professionalism, noted that the MoU will give an opportunity for the NDA Naval Cadets, Staff and Students to take advantage of the world class facilities available at the Nigeria Maritime University, in addition to the ones available at the NDA.
The MOU will cover areas such as maritime security and safety, maritime regulations and policies, logistics and supply chain management, transportation management, terminal operations, shipping and maritime operations, among other areas.