A former Dean of the School of Engineering at Delta State Maritime Polytechnic, Burutu, OlogeOchuko, has called for greater transparency in the accreditation and professional recognition of programmes offered by Nigerian tertiary institutions, particularly those preparing students for maritime careers.

Ochuko, who is currently a researcher at the UniversitatPolitècnica de Catalunya, Spain, on meshless modelling of structure-borne noise in vessels and other structures, said his concern was about students’ protection and educational quality, prompted by former students’ difficulties with professional recognition.

He stressed that “students deserve to know the regulatory and professional status of their programmes before admission, not after graduation.”

Drawing a distinction between approval to commence and full accreditation, he urged prospective students to verify the current status of individual programmes rather than relying solely on admission advertisements.

Against this background, he commended the federal government, the National Board for Technical Education and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency for making regulatory information publicly accessible, thereby empowering families to independently verify claims before making educational decisions.

Ochuko explained that verification is particularly important in maritime education because academic accreditation and professional maritime recognition are not necessarily the same, as “the name of an institution does not automatically establish that every programme provides the professional pathway required for every maritime career.”

Drawing on his experience as a former European regional representative, Council of the Royal Institution of Naval Architects (RINA), UK, he also called on the Nigerian Institution of Marine Engineers and Naval Architects to work more actively with regulators, educational institutions and industry stakeholders to strengthen professional standards and ensure that maritime education remains connected to industry requirements.

He further appealed to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to review concerns regarding programme accreditation, professional recognition, and the experiences of past graduates at Delta State Maritime Polytechnic.

“The institution has existed since 2011 and has produced thousands of graduates. The state government should establish the extent of concerns raised by former students, address any identified regulatory gaps and ensure that present and future students are protected,” he said.

“Where programmes are properly accredited and recognised, make the evidence public. Where gaps exist, correct them. Where graduates have been adversely affected, appropriate solutions should be explored.