Centre Graduates 305 Pioneer Trainees, Bridges Gap Between Academia, Industry

The Centre for Marine and Offshore Technology Development (CMOTD) Rivers State University on Saturday graduated its pioneer trainees numbering 305 candidates.

The training, which lasted for four months, was conducted in collaboration with the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) and covered a range of multi-faceted areas, segmented into seven core courses that fell under four critical technical disciplines.

They journeyed through intensive training modules ranging from 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 Optimization.

In his address at the graduation ceremony held at the Amphitheatre of the Rivers State University, Engr. Vitalis Ahiakwo, Chief Executive Officer, of the Centre for Marine and Offshore Technology Development (CMOTD) said that the centre is more than a training centre.

“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”, he stated.

Engr. Ahiakwo added that the centre was committed to building 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”, Engr. Ahiakwo added.

Speaking on the sidelines of the graduation ceremony, he expressed optimism that if the training programme would be 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.

He charged them; “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 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.

“As you leave, try and remember everything you have been taught. Acquiring a talent is one thing, being able to apply it is another. So try and apply what you had learned here through the training”, he charged.