- May we know your name?
I am Lieutenant Commander Moboluji Adedotun Adebayo
- Tell us a little about yourself: education background, marital status and passion?
My first degree was in Mechanical Engineering from the Ladoke Akintola University and a Masters degree also in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Lagos. I am happily married. Problems solving is my passion.
- Why the Navy as oppose to other security outfit?
Perhaps because the Navy is universally unique. For example, the terrain is the same worldwide, sea is sea, and water is water. You are likely to find it easier to operate anywhere in the world as a naval personnel.
- So many people have misconception about the Navy like I did when you first came to my office. Can you educate us on “life as a Naval officer” – like what education you need, what is your work life like, is there a difference between an officer and the other recruits and so on?
The military generally as a profession and particularly the Navy demands a lot from an individual. You have to be mentally, physically and psychologically sound to cope with the challenges posed by the nature of the job. Academically, you just have to be vast, physically, there is no room for average, and psychologically, you must be strong.
We have 2 types of cadres in the navy, Officers and other ranks (ratings) cadre. The officers are like the managers managing the ratings.
For you to become an officer;
- You must have a minimum of first degree/HND in a field of specialization relevant to the Navy (Medical Science, Law, Engineering, Accounting, Economics, Geography, Education etc) from a recognized conventional University or from the Nigerian Defence Academy.
- You must be fit enough to be able to cope with a lot of physical drill, because this is what actually differentiate the men from the boys.
As a naval officer, you must always have it at the back of your mind that your primary role is to protect and defend the territorial integrity of your nation against any form of external and internal threat with the aid of various platforms provided by the administrative authorities. Sometimes you may be required to be at sea for days, weeks and even months in the course of your duty, it is all part and parcel of our job. Everything you do is in line with the primary role depending on your profession, area of responsibility or assigned task. As an Engineer in the navy, I have the responsibility to keep my ship afloat (functional ability), and to maintain her fighting (operational) capability at sea or at harbor.
- Congratulations on your recent promotion! What does this promotion mean to you personally?
Thank you Sir. It means a lot to me. It is a recognition of my service and loyalty to the nation. It is also a call that you will begin to shoulder more responsibility, because to whom much is given, much is also expected.
- I was privy to be in the decoration and the promotion is to a leadership position. Which rank were you promoted to and what is the impact on the Nigerian Navy.
Thank you for your presence at the shipping of stripes. Well, I was promoted to the rank of a Lieutenant Commander in the Navy (Major or Squadron Leader equivalent in the Army and Air-force respectively). A simple implication of this is that you are deemed fit to be in-charge of more men/troops and at the same time you will need to re-sharpen your leadership skills so that the system can move forward.
- Why did you decide to pursue a certificate in Project Management?
I decided to pursue a knowledge and training in Project Management because I wanted to be outstanding in proffering solutions to problems. I don’t just want to be an engineer; because there are many engineers, I want to be the Engineer. Not just an officer, but the Officer.
- Did getting the PMP certificate help you in your recent promotion?
Indirectly, yes. Although, PMP certificate may not be a requirement for promotion in the navy, but the skills you acquire will help you to have an outstanding performance. It makes you meet up with the requirements without stress.
- What is the link between Project Management and the Navy
The navy is a project oriented institution. To meet up with the challenges of modern day navy, you will need to be conversant with the project management processes and body of knowledge. You cannot plan or simulate a war, defend or protect your territory, or provide solution to current global security challenges without consciously or unconsciously applying the knowledge of project management.
- What was your experience like with PMtutor and coach Dipo?
PMtutor and Coach Dipo, Whaoh! Coach Dipo made the learning environment very relaxed and unique. You will find it difficult to believe we were all meeting one another for the very first time. Great skills coupled with experienced instructors.
- What do you see for the future?
I foresee a brighter future where every challenges and problems facing humanities would no longer be impossible to surmount.
- Advice to youths who want to join the Navy?
Like I said earlier, for you to be in the Navy, you just have to be mentally, physically and psychologically sound. You must also be a good team player because the motto is Onward Together. There is no short cut to these attributes. The Navy only can only cope with the best, so fight to be the best and you have an opportunity be in the navy. JOIN THE NAVY AND SEE THE WORLD.
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