The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) said it is reviewing the existing Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP) memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Centurion University, India, to ensure the 296 students enrolled receive sufficient training to make them globally competitive.

The Director-General of NIMASA, Dr Dayo Mobereola, in a statement, reaffirmed the agency’s dedication to the programme, emphasising that the ongoing review is purely a due diligence exercise aimed at protecting the interests of Nigerian students.

Mobereola clarified that the agency is not recalling any students from Centurion University but conducting a thorough review of the existing MoU to address issues and ensure the programme is in the best interest of the students.

The DG highlighted concerns arising from the contractual agreement with the Springdale Academy of Maritime Education and Training (SAMET), where changes were made unilaterally by the agent.
He said the changes included extending the course duration and altering the programme structure without NIMASA’s consent, which could negatively impact the student’s experience.

Further complicating the matter, Mobereola pointed out issues such as the non-accreditation of one of the institutions involved at the time the MoU was executed as well as an unapproved change of course from marine engineering to mechanical engineering without NIMASA’s approval
He said the adjustments, alongside potential additional study years, funding and third-party arrangements not communicated to NIMASA, have raised concerns about the programme’s alignment with needs.

“A situation where the agency entered into a contractual agreement with the agent SAMET, with agreed courses and timelines, only to be faced with additional course duration and an alien programme by the agent, unilaterally converting the programme without the consent of the Agency as prescribed by the MoU, may not be in the best interest of the students,” the DG stated.

Mobereola emphasised that NIMASA is focused on closing identified gaps in the MoU before advancing to the next phase of the programme.

He, however, stated that NIMASA remains committed to resolving these issues to ensure that the NSDP continues to provide high-quality, internationally recognised training for Nigerian seafarers to compete while safeguarding the future of the country’s maritime industry.