Tetra Foundation Expands Maritime Training Program: 20 Nigerian Cadets Sent to Greece for Advanced Education
In a bid to bolster Nigeria’s maritime workforce and further its vision of becoming a globally competitive maritime hub, the Tetra Foundation, on Monday, October 14, 2024, sent 20 cadets to the Metropolitan College Maritime Academy in Greece. The cadets, selected for a fully sponsored four-year maritime program, will benefit from a scholarship that covers travel expenses, tuition, accommodation, and other essential costs throughout their stay.
At the departure ceremony held at the Tetra Foundation office in Lagos, Director Ejiofor Onyiuke addressed the cadets, calling the opportunity a “gateway to a world of opportunities, adventure, and growth, both professionally and personally.”
He underscored the significance of the occasion: “Today marks the beginning of an exciting chapter in your lives. As you embark on this journey, you carry with you not only your dreams but also the vision of Tetra Foundation, the Nigerian maritime industry, and the blessings of your families.”
Congratulating the cadets, Onyiuke added, “You have earned a place in the 2024/2025 Seafarers Program. This is not just a scholarship; it’s an opportunity to learn, grow, and eventually return as skilled professionals ready to make meaningful contributions to Nigeria’s maritime sector.”
He also extended his congratulations to the parents present: “The pride swelling in your hearts is well-deserved. Watching your children take this bold step toward their future is no small feat. We celebrate this moment with you.”
Addressing concerns from parents about sending their children far from home, Onyiuke assured them that the cadets would be well looked after: “Rest assured, your wards will be received by our trusted representatives in Greece, who will support them both academically and personally. Their safety and success are our priority.”
Rear Admiral Patrick Ozojiofor (rtd), another Director of the Foundation, also spoke at the event, urging the cadets to represent Nigeria and the Foundation with pride: “We want you to be good ambassadors of your country. Make a good image of Nigeria wherever you go.”
He emphasized the Foundation’s vision for the cadets to become future leaders in the maritime sector: “We want you to form a strong alumni network and create a formidable group that will elevate Nigeria’s shipping industry. What you achieve from here depends on your discipline and commitment.”
Ozojiofor also noted the competitive selection process: “Thousands of applications were received, but only 20 cadets were chosen based on merit. Your success now depends on the choices you make. We want to make you stand out as disciplined, skilled representatives of Nigeria’s maritime workforce.”
He concluded with a reminder to the cadets: “Do not let your parents, the Foundation, or your country down.”
In 2023, the Tetra Foundation sponsored 10 cadets to the same academy in Greece. This latest initiative is part of the Foundation’s ongoing efforts to groom world-class seafarers, positioning Nigeria as a key player in the global maritime industry.