Mr. Okwuashi Ifeanyi Philip is the current Rector, Certified Institute of Shipping Nigeria, CISN. In this special interview with selected media organisation, the new and young rector of the great maritime institution spoke boldly of his plans and the bug dream he has for one of the oldest maritime institution in Nigeria.
Hear him:
Q: Tell us more about you?
Ans: I am Mr. Okwuashi Ifeanyi Philip, the rector of the Certified Institute of Shipping Nigeria, CISN.
Q: What is actually happening here today?
Ans: We are here today for the Matriculation Ceremony of the newest students of the institute, particularly the associate one students of the Certified Institute of Shipping Nigeria. That is why we are here today as you can see.
Q: As the new rector of the great maritime institute how would you describe the maritime sector of the Nigerian economy?
Ans: I think the maritime industry is vast. That means there are vast opportunities available for everyone particularly the students who are building career in the sector through CISN. So, the industry is slso growing fastly. And there are a lot of areas one can specislise in to build his or her career mostly the students who studying maritime related courses today. That means they would have opportunities to work in any area of their choice after graduation.
Equally, the industry is known to the second revenue earner to the federal government after the oil sector of the Nigerian economy.
Q: What are the likely challenges you foresee in the institute as the new rector of the school?
Ans: Well, I have noticed some lapses. Mostly with the new generation of students, I believe we are going to face them and equally solve them as they come.
The system is not so bad. What the system needs is improvement. So we need to improve on them.
From the management staff, I don’t see any challenge. You Know, I just resumed as the rector this year. I am still studying the system and the whole thing. It will be too early to begin to say that now.
Q: Looking at Maritime Education in Nigeria and and the few maritime institutions already in existence and their numerous challenges, is there any area where you want the government to come in for assistance?
Ans: Yes of course, we will need government in the areas of funding, partnership and licensing of most of the course and trainings through the Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, as the apex maritime Regulatory agency. We have maritime training programmes which need their approval and support.
Q: What are the plans you have for the institute?
Ans: Yes, I have a big plan for the Institute. My plan is to make CISN the hub of Maritime Transportation Education in Africa and the whole world. And you know, we have to take it one step at a time.
Q: Is there any advice you can offer to the cadets mostly the new intakes?
Ans: Yes, I think they should focus on their studies which is why they are here. And with that, I believe skies would be their starting points.
Thank you!