Oron: The maritime industry plays a pivotal role in facilitating international trade through its shipping and port operations, necessitating the development and training of a competent workforce for operational efficiency. In Nigeria, as globally, the maritime workforce is integral in coordinating commercial activities, linking supply chains to raw materials and end products.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron, Akwa Ibom, established in 1977, is dedicated to providing high-quality training and education for the merchant navy and related industries. The academy’s mission is to produce professionals who can meet customer expectations through modern technology and continuous quality improvement in ship operations, port management, and other marine services.
Recently, the academy hosted its 2025 Third Quarter Citizens’ and Stakeholders’ Engagement Forum, showcasing its activities and achievements. The forum, themed ‘Implementation of the National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy for Onboard Training of Nigerian Merchant Navy Cadets and Critical Needs of the Marine Academy,’ underscored the institution’s commitment to its founding objectives.
Dr. Kevin Okonna, the Acting Rector, highlighted the academy’s alignment with the 1978 International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watch-keeping for Seafarers (STCW Convention) over his 10-month tenure. Okonna emphasized the academy’s collaborations with maritime professional associations and its alumni to enhance course offerings and training quality. Since January, seven marine professional lecturers have been employed to bolster cadet education.
The academy has secured commitments from shipowners and associations to provide onboard training for cadets, aligning with the National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy. Professional associations such as the Nautical Institute, UK, Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology, UK, and the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport are involved, ensuring cadets’ registration for international engagement readiness.
In partnership with the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), the academy seeks increased recognition of Nigeria’s seafarers’ certificates. It has acquired state-of-the-art simulators for mandatory STCW training, including a Multifunctional Classroom Simulator, Full Mission Bridge Simulator, and others, all accredited and highly sought after.
The welfare of cadets and staff has been prioritized, with significant infrastructure improvements, including new transformers and enhanced power supplies, addressing long-standing issues. Collaborations with shipowner associations further provide onboard training opportunities, vital for cadet development.
The academy anticipates graduating over 200 well-trained cadets, all members of major professional bodies, on November 13. In 2024, it trained 4,595 participants in short courses, and by August 2025, 3,217 participants had been trained in various mandatory courses.
Stakeholder feedback highlights Okonna’s achievements in hostel renovations and reconnecting the academy to the national grid. The academy’s Governing Council, led by Chairman Mr. Kehinde Akinola, is developing a Five-Year Strategic Development Plan to enhance training standards and industry linkages.
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola, emphasized the academy’s strategic role in producing maritime professionals, calling for stakeholder collaboration to advance Nigeria’s Marine and Blue Economy.
With accreditation from the National Board for Technical Education and NIMASA, the academy offers seven Regular Cadetship training programs and 48 Professional and Mandatory Short Courses. Stakeholders are optimistic that the current administration will elevate the academy’s standards, continuing to train maritime professionals and drive industrialization and economic growth in Nigeria.