Maritime experts and speakers at the just concluded 3rd Annual Maritime Students Conference have charged Nigerian maritime students to form a coalition that will champion issues affecting them as future ambassadors of the industry.
Speaking at the occasion while making a Paper Presentation, Dr Chris Asoluka, a maritime expert noted that strategic advocacy is needed to address the challenges confronting Nigerian maritime students.
Also speaking, the Chief Operating Officer, Starzs Investment Company Ltd, Mrs Iroghama Obuoforibo urged the students to form a coalition in order to speak with one voice.
She maintained that forming a coalition of Nigerian Maritime Students would provide a good platform for the students to engage relevant authorities and seek solutions to the challenges confronting them in their chosen careers.
On his own, Dr Kelvin Okonna, a lecturer at Maritime Academy of Nigeria identified lack of training vessel as a major obstacle to manpower development in the maritime sector.
He called on the federal government to address the challenge by providing a training vessel that would provide sea time experience for Nigerian cadets.