CMSN-NDU Matriculates New PGD Students, Harps on Integrity, Professionalism, Innovation

The Centre for Marine Surveyors Nigeria (CMSN), in collaboration with the Institute of Maritime Studies, Niger Delta University (NDU), has matriculated a new batch of students into its Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) in Marine Surveying programme.

The matriculation ceremony, held on Saturday, 20 June 2026, at the CMSN Lagos Study Centre in Victoria Island, brought together maritime stakeholders, academics and industry professionals, who charged the students to embrace integrity, professionalism and innovation as core values of the marine surveying profession.

Delivering the keynote address titled “Charting New Waters: Professionalism, Innovation and Integrity in the Practice of Marine Surveying,” the Vice-Chancellor of Niger Delta University, Prof. Allen Agih, urged the students to uphold the three pillars of the profession as they begin their journey towards becoming certified marine surveyors.

Represented by the Director of the Institute of Maritime Studies, NDU, Engr. Dr. Charles Johnson, the Vice-Chancellor described professionalism as the foundation of marine surveying practice, integrity as its non-negotiable cornerstone, and innovation as the future of the profession.

He also outlined the expectations of the programme, noting that the PGD in Marine Surveying is a rigorous 12-month academic and practical course designed to equip students with the technical and professional competencies required for vessel inspections and maritime operations.

“The PGD in Marine Surveying is a 12-month academic and practical programme that requires significant commitment. You will face a rigorous curriculum combined with practical exercises designed to prepare you for thorough vessel inspections.

The programme emphasises effective communication and detailed reporting skills as critical as technical knowledge.

“This is not merely academic; it is a transformative experience that will shape your understanding of what it means to be a professional marine surveyor. Niger Delta University and CMSN are committed to ensuring you have a memorable experience leading to the successful attainment of your diploma. This programme is your gateway to a rewarding career in the maritime industry.

 

“You are charting new waters. The path ahead demands excellence, ethics and evolution. The maritime industry of Nigeria—and indeed the world—needs you. Make this programme count. Make your profession proud. And chart a course toward a future marked by professionalism, innovation and integrity,” he said.

Also speaking, the Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, reaffirmed the agency’s support for the programme, stressing the critical role marine surveyors play in maritime regulation and safety.

Represented by NIMASA’s Assistant Director, Maritime Survey and Certification, Engr. Emmanuel Isiuwa, Mobereola urged the students to take professionalism and integrity seriously, warning that misrepresentation of facts in marine surveying could have far-reaching consequences for the nation’s economy.

He further disclosed that NIMASA was working towards ensuring that Nigeria’s marine surveying certification attains global recognition within the next one to two years.

In a presentation titled “From Theory to Practice: Building the Next Generation of Certified Marine Surveyors for Nigeria’s Blue Economy,” he noted that the development of competent and ethical marine surveyors is essential to the growth and sustainability of the country’s maritime sector.

Providing an overview of the Centre for Marine Surveyors Nigeria and the PGD programme, the National Creator of the PGD Marine Surveying Programme and CMSN Council Member, Capt. Dr. Fola Ojutalayo, described the students as fortunate to be joining the profession at a time when the industry is seeking well-trained, disciplined and regulated marine surveyors.

He encouraged them to maximise the opportunity offered by the programme to advance their careers and disclosed plans by CMSN and NDU to secure approval for a master’s degree programme in Marine Surveying in the future.

Earlier in his welcome address, the President of CMSN, Engr. Akin Olaniyan, congratulated the matriculating students and urged them to uphold the vision, mission and values of the organisation.

Represented by the Vice President of the Centre, Capt. Ade Olopoenia, Olaniyan described the occasion as a significant milestone in the development of marine surveying practice in Nigeria.

“I welcome you all to this historic third matriculation ceremony of CMSN in collaboration with the Institute of Maritime Studies, Niger Delta University.

“Today, we formally induct 55 new minds into the noble profession of marine surveying—the Class of 2025/2026. To our matriculating students, this is not just a ceremony; it is your first step onto the deck of professional responsibility.

“The theme of this matriculation, ‘Charting New Waters: Professionalism, Innovation and Integrity in the Practice of Marine Surveying,’ could not be more fitting,” he said.

Olaniyan further reminded the students of the Centre’s guiding principles.

“Our vision is to make knowledge, probity and equity the bedrock of marine survey practice in Nigeria.

“Our mission is a commitment to enhancing knowledge, expanding growth opportunities, and regulating professional maritime surveying standards and practices.

“Our motto is Creativity, Excellence and Service,” he stated, while wishing the students a successful academic journey and impactful careers in the maritime sector.

In his remarks, the President of the Nigerian Association of Master Mariners and a CMSN Council Member, Capt. Tajudeen Alao, expressed satisfaction that the vision of sanitising the industry of fake marine surveyors was gradually becoming a reality.

He said the initiative would ultimately produce competent professionals capable of upholding ethical standards and protecting the nation from the consequences of substandard surveying practices.

“After their programme, NDU will issue them certificates and CMSN will induct them as our members. That way, we will monitor them and ensure they operate in line with the ethics of the profession,” he assured.

For the Executive Secretary of CMSN, Mrs. Lola Olabanjo, the key message to the students was to remain focused, goal-oriented and broad in their pursuit of knowledge.

She advised them not to limit themselves to a particular aspect of marine surveying, noting that diverse knowledge and expertise would create greater opportunities for career advancement.

As the curtain fell on the ceremony, the recurring message of integrity, professionalism and innovation resonated strongly among the students, who were encouraged to embody these values as they prepare to contribute to the growth and development of the marine surveying profession in Nigeria.