Nigerian Navy Signs Pact With Uniport To Train Officers

THE Nigerian Navy Basic Training School Onne, has signed an agreement with the University of Port Harcourt, to start a Diploma program in a Leadership and Management Course for naval personnels’. The aim is to train officers in modern ways of curbing various forms of crimes in Nigeria’s maritime environment and in other parts of the country.

The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, while signing the Memorandum of Understanding at the Naval School Onne, Rivers State, said the four months programme is aimed at developing the intellect, leadership and managerial skills of officers, which would achieve optimal professional capability of personnel.

Represented by Flag Officer Commanding Naval Training Command, Rear Admiral Adeniyi Osinowo, the Naval boss said, the programme is in line with President Muhammadu Buhari’s agenda to pursue a reform scheme for change of attitude in all spheres of the national endeavour.

“In line with this change syndrome, the Chief of Naval Staff has placed a high premium on training as aptly captured in his mission statement, which is to deploy a Naval force that is well trained, organised and highly motivated to discharge its constitutional roles professionally and efficiently for the defence of Nigeria in ensuring her economic prosperity.

“To this end, the CNS Strategic Directive 2015-1 was promulgated, which stipulated some strategic objectives towards evolving new approaches to combating the challenges of curbing various forms of crimes in Nigeria’s maritime environment and in other parts of the country.”

He pointed out that, within the specified time frame, one of the key priorities expected to achieve is promoting NN manpower development to achieve optimal professional capability of personnel, but advised the 60 trainees, who are the first beneficiaries of the programme, to utilise the opportunity and contribute productively towards the greater development of the nation, stressing that they are fortunate to be selected to attend the course.

“You as senior ratings of the Nigerian Navy have been selected for this course to prepare you for higher leadership and administrative functions, not only within the service, but also after disengagement from active service. It is expected that at the end of your sojourn here, you would have acquired sufficient expertise and knowledge needed to enable you contribute productively towards the greater development of the nation.”

The Naval boss added, “for the first time, the Nigerian Navy has concluded arrangements with the University of Port Harcourt to formally run a Diploma programme to concretise your knowledge in man management and administration. I’m confident that with the caliber of academic staff from both the University of Port Harcourt and the Navy, you will benefit immensely from this course. I therefore wish to encourage the Commandant, the UNIPORT facilitators and the entire staff of the School to endeavour to impart the best knowledge to the participants,” he said.

Responding, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) of Uniport, Prof. Anthony Ibe, assured that the university is fully committed to the partnership that sought to professionalise and improve knowledge and skills of personnel.

The Head of the Naval School, Commodore Peter Onaji also expressed optimum that the training would boost performances of the officers, who will be awarded Executive Diploma in Leadership and management upon completion of the course.