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From Isaac Job, Uyo
The acting Rector, Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, Akwa Ibom State, Dr. Kevin Okonna, has highlighted major achievements recorded by the institution in the last 10 months.
Addressing a press conference at the 2025 Third Quarter Citizens’ and Stakeholders’ Engagement, held in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Okonna outlined more than 27 developmental milestones recorded within the period.
According to him, the projects include the renovation of the Academy’s survival pools complex, underwater escape training pool, helicopter underwater training pool, life raft repacking workshop, installation of smart boards, computers, and a public address system to enhance distance learning.
Other developments include several engineering workshops, refurbished standard hostels, cadets’ refectory, large marine exhibition halls, an e-library, furnished guest rooms, recreational parks and a firefighting training centre.
Okonna acknowledged the contributions of past administrations in laying the foundation for the Academy’s present progress. He also commended the Governing Council, chaired by Engineer Kehinde Akinola, for its immense support.
“Management sought and obtained the Governing Council’s approval for the employment of scarce-skill marine and other professional lecturers on contract with enhanced remuneration to close faculty gaps and assure the quality of training in the Academy,” he stated.
He further explained that the new projects cut across both academic and physical development, noting that 75 staff members had been trained to obtain higher qualifications and certifications.
“In response to a request from the Abuja MoU on Port State Control for West and Central Africa, the Academy has completed the development and approval of Port State Control (PSC) Officers by NIMASA,” Okonna added.
He also confirmed that the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola, had approved a partnership between the Academy and the Abuja MoU.
Collaboration with the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has also intensified the recognition of Nigeria’s seafarers’ certificates of competency.
Meanwhile, Oyetola charged the Academy to sustain its strategic role in producing professionals to drive the maritime sector.
“The success of the Blue Economy depends on the manpower produced by the Academy,” Oyetola said, in remarks delivered on his behalf by Mr. Joshua Ayebameru, Deputy Director of Research, Planning and Statistics.
He noted that the Academy had, over the years, remained a cornerstone of human capacity development for Nigeria’s maritime industry.
“Through its programmes, training, and commitment to excellence, the Academy continues to produce the manpower required to keep our sector vibrant and competitive,” he said, urging stakeholders to work together to strengthen the sector for the benefit of future generations.
In his remarks, Governing Council Chairman, Mr. Kehinde Akinola, said the Board had developed a Five-Year Strategic Development Plan for the Academy, which, once approved, would accelerate institutional reforms, enhance training standards, deepen industry linkages, and reposition the institution.
“It is an obligation because we must prepare our cadets to meet international standards,” Akinola stressed.
