Oron: The House of Representatives Committee on Maritime Safety, Education and Administration has charged the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, located in Oron, Akwa Ibom, to maintain a satisfactory level of accountability and effective service delivery. Its Deputy Chairman, Mr. Uduak Ududoh, issued the challenge during the committee’s oversight visit to the institution on Thursday.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Ududoh commended the academy’s authority for its commitment to budgetary expenditure and prudence in project implementation. He mentioned that the committee was impressed with the infrastructure at the academy and its collaboration with globally recognized institutions. Ududoh stated that they had received detailed briefings from the academy’s management on the implementation of the 2025 budget as approved by the National Assembly, supported by documentary evidence and visual records of implemented projects.
The deputy chairman further explained that the committee conducted physical inspections of facilities across the institution as part of its statutory oversight function. Ududoh, who represents Ikot Abasi/Mkpat Enin/Eastern Obolo Constituency in the National Assembly, emphasized that the current leadership had set the academy on a path of steady growth through optimal performance.
The lawmaker highlighted the increasing number of cadets from the academy and those onboard sea vessels as highly encouraging. He noted that the academy’s growing collaboration with international institutions and professional maritime bodies was evidence of resilient efforts to reposition the school. Ududoh acknowledged the challenges faced in ensuring post-graduation opportunities for cadets but commended the management’s progress in addressing this issue through partnerships with international professional bodies for global recognition.
Addressing cadets at the academy, Ududoh urged them to take their training seriously and avoid social vices to become better seafarers. Earlier, the Acting Rector, Dr. Kevin Okonna, stated that the institution had intensified efforts to expand international partnerships and attract foreign students. Okonna emphasized the importance of deriving full benefits from the institution, noting its infrastructure as comparable to few other maritime academies in the region.
He mentioned that over the past year, the academy had demonstrated a strong commitment to producing seafarers capable of contributing to both national and global maritime development.