Following the news that Prof Sule Abiodun is been considered for the coveted position of Director-General at the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA). Professor Yusuf Magaji has said that the maritime expert fits the position.
Professor Magaji confirmed that Sule holds an impressive academic record, with two PhDs in Maritime Technology Management and Fisheries & Aquaculture. The erudite Professor also earned a Master’s degree in Public Administration and possesses a range of professional certifications, including a Marine Navigation Certificate and a Joint Scandinavian Surveyor Certificate.
The maritime experts qualifications also include a valid MSc degree from WMU Malmoe, Sweden, obtained in 1994 with over 110 publications and textbooks to his credit.
If confirmed by the President Sule’s proposed agenda will include a focus on bolstering key sectors of the maritime industry while aiming to enhance existing Aquaculture programs, particularly in Mari-culture and fresh water domains, and revitalize Deep Sea Capture Fisheries and Fisheries Value Chain programs to fortify food security in Nigeria.
According to Magaji who claims to have known Sule says he intends to collaborate with the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) to implement advanced post-harvest technologies, such as the Thiaroye smoking kiln, to mitigate post-harvest losses among fishermen. The second phase of Fisheries National Stock Assessments is also on his agenda to assess species availabilities and health conditions in Nigerian coastal waters. Moreover, he plans to resurrect abandoned Artisanal fishery training programs and compile accurate data on Fisheries Artisans and Marine fishing to determine their economic contributions.
Currently, Prof. Abiodun Sule holds the esteemed position of Executive Director/CEO at the Nigerian Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research, Lagos. He is not only an accomplished maritime professional but also a certified Marine Captain. His career trajectory has been marked by significant contributions, having served as Provost of the Federal College of Fisheries and Marine Technology, Victoria Island, Lagos, since January 1, 2015. Prior to this role, he excelled as the Deputy Provost – Academics and Chief Lecturer at the Nautical Science Department of the College.
Magaji also explained that while Sule is fit and the best man for the Job, the Presidency should as a matter of fact ignore and discountenance unfounded allegations of fraud against the intelligent maritime expert while he has never been invited nor indicted by any security or financial commission. But he will rather reposition the sector and help push a more robust and impressive agency geared toward reclaiming Nigeria’s Pride of place in the International Community.
