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**Signs MoU with UNILAG; Says Proposed National Hydrographic Agency calls for human capacity development.

By: Kingsley Omonobi -Abuja.

Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo has said the Federal Government is desirous of opening up Nigeria’s internal waters, through systematic hydrographic survey and charting, for more robust maritime economic development.

This is just as he disclosed that 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 in hydrography.

The CNS made the disclosure at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on the Hydrographic Survey Partnership between the NN and University of Lagos at Naval headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday.

He said, “This is because of 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 the ongoing survey and charting of lower Rivers 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 derive maximum value for allocated funds.

“Thus, this Memorandum of Understanding between the Nigerian Navy and the University of Lagos is coming at the most appropriate time.

“The Nigerian Navy Hydrographic Department is most suited for the training partnership with the Institute for Maritime Studies of the University of Lagos, particularly in the areas of exchange of training, exchange of ideas, materials, resource persons, research fellows.

“Also, a partnership between both institutions will facilitate International Hydrographic Organization’s accreditation of the MSc Hydrographic Programme of the University of Lagos to Category A Hydrography Programme, which would ultimately attract both
international and local patronage.

“In this regard, I wish to assure UNILAG that the Nigerian Navy is well-positioned to meet up with the terms of our partnership, having trained a considerable number of officers and ratings at professional levels of hydrographic Categories A and B, as well as Survey Recorder Classes 1 to 3.

Admiral Gambo continued, “The event we are witnessing today, which seeks to formalize cooperation between the Nigerian Navy and the University of Lagos, is one of the series of Civil-Military relations in the field of hydrography engaged in by the Nigerian Navy, as part of its constitutional responsibilities of coordinating all national hydrographic surveys in Nigeria.

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“Hence, partnering with the academia, particularly the University of Lagos, is a step that will ensure that skilled manpower in hydrography is produced to advance Nigeria’s hydrographic practice in line with international best practice.

“As you already know, availability of skilled hydrographic manpower as well as requisite survey platforms and equipment in any nation enhances such nation’s capability to explore and exploit the resources of the sea, conduct coastal zone management, develop shore approaches and advance maritime security.

“Optimal execution of these activities supports various maritime economic engagements, which generate revenue for improved economic growth. Hence, effective exploitation of the maritime domain for economic development is hinged largely on effective hydrographic survey capabilities.

“However, adequate training of hydrographers remains the fundamental pillar for attaining this hydrographic capability. Nigeria’s need for hydrographic manpower has never been more prominent than in this present time.

“Also, a partnership between both institutions will facilitate International Hydrographic Organization’s accreditation of the MSc Hydrographic Programme of the University of Lagos to Category A Hydrography Programme, which would ultimately attract both
international and local patronage.

“Furthermore, our offshore survey vessel, NNS Lana, which is adequately equipped with state-of-the-art facilities for bathymetric and oceanographic surveys would sufficiently provide the needed internship and attachment training for your students.

“As I look forward to a mutually beneficial partnership with your institution, I implore both parties to be committed to the attainment of the objectives of the MoU”.

In his remarks, Vice-Chancellor, University of Lagos, Professor Oluwatoyin Ogundipe commended the Nigerian Navy for the milestones achieved in the field of hydrography noting that the partnership between the Navy and UNILAG will ensure the provision of high-quality hydrographic personnel as facilitators.

“It will also ensure the training and attachment of trainees onboard Nigerian Navy Ships while institutional support will be provided for hydrographic programmes.

He added that going forward, the Nigerian Navy is expected to assist UNILAG in securing accreditation for the Master’s Degree Programme in Hydrography.

On the part of UNILAG, Prof. Ogundipe said the institution will bring to bear, its robust logistics support, safe accommodation environment, guaranteed admission, sponsorship, support for research hardware and software within and outside the country.

Vanguard News Nigeria