‘Nigeria’s Educational System Needs Maritime Integration’

As part of efforts to enable the nation attain maritime hub status in Africa, education experts and maritime veterans have encouraged the federal government to integrate maritime into primary and secondary school curriculum in the country.

The Project Coordinator of Maritime Writes Project (MWP), Ezinne Azunna made this call during the opening session of MWP’s 3-day Creative Writing Bootcamp at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) Conference Centre, today.

According to her, Nigeria is unlikely to fulfil its aspirations to be a leading maritime nation without imbibing maritime heritages and literature in primary and secondary school education.

“The maritime industry contributes a lot to the Nigerian economy and global trade. Trade is part of the maritime industry and we are all dependant on trade to survive. If a sector contributes hugely to the Nigerian economy, I think it’s time we focus our attention on it. The industry has over 100 professions in it, yet we are looking for youth empowerment. The maritime industry can provide that bridge.

“If we have maritime education infused into our curriculum, it means we are owning our maritime space and this will enable us do things differently. For a while, Nigeria has been trying to get into the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Governing Council, we can position the nation better by prioritizing elementary maritime education,” the veteran maritime journalist said.

Also speaking, the Head of Faculty, Maritime Writes Project, Dr. Taiwo Nolas-Alausa stated that initiative has been focused on promoting the Nigerian maritime sector by highlighting how it has enhanced the nation’s economy.

Taiwo, who is also the Director, Business Relations and Training, LCCI, encouraged the federal government, private and public sector organizations to prioritize the development of young people to enable them become assets to the nation and the world.

“The advantages of good writing skills are enormous. The first advantage is that a good writer can communicate, earn a living via writing, become famous and also teach morals,” he said.

Speaking on the sidelines, one of the participants, Murtadho Musa expressed optimism that the training would enable him sharpen his skills as a budding writer.