305 Trainees Graduate from Centre for Marine, Offshore Technology In Rivers

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

Centre for Marine And Offshore Technology Development (CMOTD) Rivers State University graduated 305 pioneer trainees.

The training, which was held for a duration of four months, was conducted in collaboration with the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB).

The Chief Executive Officer of the Centre, Vitalis Ahiakwo, while speaking at the graduation ceremony at the weekend said the trainees were taken through multi-faceted areas covering seven core courses segmented into four critical technical disciplines.

Ahiakwo in a statement issued Monday said the training included; Industrial Ship Design using AVEVA Marine, Process Pipe Stress Analysis, Pressure Vessel and Heat Exchanger Design, to Big Data Analytics, Transformer Repair, Class Welding, Automation and Oil Well Optimisation.

He noted: “It is a hub of innovation and applied excellence. Our mission is to bridge the gap between academia and industry, transforming theoretical knowledge into practical, industry -ready competencies in the field of marine, offshore and energy technology.”

Ahiakwo added that the centre was committed to building the human capital base required to drive Nigeria’s blue economy, leveraging cutting-edge research, technology transfer and advanced skill development.

“The CMOTD stands as a testament to what visionary partnership can achieve, particularly under the enabling framework of the Nigeria Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act,” Ahiakwo noted.

He expressed optimism that if the training programme is sustained, it would not be long before Nigeria would start exporting highly qualified technology experts.

He promised local industries of highly competent labour force in the various areas of marine technology and engineering.

He told the graduating trainees that they have been equipped with a diverse and competitive edge in today’s evolving energy and maritime sectors.

Ahiakwo said: “As you step into the professional arena, remember this: do not merely adapt to technology change – become its architects. Be innovators, problem -solvers and ambassadors of Nigeria’s marine and offshore competence. apply your skills with courage, integrity and vision”.

Dr. Elakpa Augustine, Head of R & D and Training Coordinator stated that the graduation ceremony is a mandate fulfilled strategic involvement designed to enable global traditional industry practices, the demands of industry 5.0 and academics.

He said; “This milestone marks a significant achievement for you but it is also a powerful commitment from our facility. Our R & D Commitment is ironclad: the content of these courses will remain a living document, perpetually updated. We will continue to invest time, resources and strategic focus to ensure our curriculum reflects the very latest global codes, emerging technologies and academic findings”.

Head of Department of Marine Engineering, Rivers State University, Dr. Tamunoeobipi congratulated the graduating trainees on behalf of the Vice Chancellor and the entire University.

He told them to be aware that bearing the certificates of the university has made them ambassadors of the university urging them to be good ambassadors.