Private maritime academies in Nigeria have come together to form an association called the Association of Licensed Maritime Academies of Nigeria (ALMAN).
The academies that formed the association include, Stars Academy of Nigeria, Otta; Global Maritime Academy; Seatrade Maritime Academy; Flight Marine Safety Academy; Lam Marine Academy; Joe Marine Institute; Wonders International Marine Academy and Crown Maritime Academy.
At the inaugural meeting of the association held at Stars Maritime Academy, Ota, Ogun State on Wednesday, the pioneer president of the association Dr Reuben Ovia said the association was formed to protect the interest of his members and to fight for government recognition.
“This association was established to sanitise the maritime education system and also to assist the government in sanitizing the maritime education system in the country.”
“We are set up to ensure optimum performance and ensure that cadets of these different academies are given the best.”
Ovai who is also the Rector of Stars Maritime Academy said the reason for setting up the association is to unite all maritime academies in Nigeria under one umbrella for them to teach in one accord.
“The mission of this association is to unite every maritime academies under one umbrella so that we can teach in one accord and when our graduates leave Nigeria to work abroad, they won’t have any problem discharging their duty.”
The president also said the association would ensure that all illegally operated privately owned Maritime academies are closed down.
“Illegal private academies are giving us a bad name that was why we called ourselves Association of Licensed maritime Academies of Nigeria. If you are not licensed, you have no business coming to join our association.”
Also, the rector called on other licensed maritime academies who may want to join to come.
“We are not a closed association. Any licensed maritime association which may want to join the association is welcome,” he said.
“We are established to protect the interest of our members. We are to also liaise with other maritime organizations in matters of common interest.
“We will contribute to government policy on maritime education and also help them to sanitise the maritime education system.”
The association at the inauguration elected it’s Executive Council members which include Rector, Stars Maritime Academy, Reuben Ovia as President; Rector, Global Maritime Academy, Engr. IssacAikoroje as the National Vice President; Rector,Seatrade Maritime Academy, Capt. RandolOnoita as National Secretary General; Registrar, Crown Maritime Academy, Musa Adeyemi as National Treasurer; and Rector, Flight Marine Safety Academy, Calabar, Capt. Charles Origha as National Provost.
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