…Inducts 40 new members
By Providence Ayanfeoluwa

The Centre for Marine Surveyors of Nigeria, CMSN has inducted 40 new members into its professional body while also honouring outstanding graduates of its Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) programme in Marine Surveying, run in collaboration with Niger Delta University (NDU).

The centre said it Post Graduate Diploma, PGD programme would drive job creation, reduce capital flight, and strengthen Nigeria’s economy.

Speaking at the Students’ Luncheon and Induction Ceremony for the 2023 pioneer students held in Lagos, CMSN President, Engr. Akin Olaniyan, described the event as a milestone in advancing marine surveying in Nigeria.

He noted that the graduates, who have been inducted into full membership of CMSN, represent a new generation of professionals committed to excellence, integrity, and growth in the maritime industry.

Also speaking, Pioneer National Coordinator, Capt. Fola Ojutalayo, explained that the PGD programme was established to train Nigerian surveyors in a field currently dominated by foreigners.

He said: “Our programme, the only one of its kind in West Africa, would help create jobs, reduce capital flight, and strengthen Nigeria’s economy.”

Also, President of the Nigerian Association of Master Mariners, NAMM, Capt. Tajudeen Alao, urged the new members to uphold honesty and integrity, warning against unethical practices that have previously harmed the maritime sector.

On his part, CMSN Vice President, Engr. Cookey Iroegbu Anthony, outlined the Centre’s objectives, including expanding opportunities in wet and dry cargo surveying, underwater surveying, port facilities surveying, and electronic systems surveying.

Awards and cash prizes were presented to outstanding graduates, including: Olawale Olayinka (Best Male Graduate), Lola Olabanjo (Best Female Graduate), Ebikeme Apere and Bereton Stevenson (Distinction), Sunday Olawale Paul (Leadership Award), and Uchacha Esther Biobele (Outstanding Female Graduate).

Highlights of the event included the induction of new members, presentation of professional certificates, awards to top graduates, and a networking session. Some inductees expressed optimism, noting that the training has already opened doors of opportunity in their workplaces.