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The Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN) Oron has reiterated its commitment to developing a world class maritime workforce capable of driving Nigeria’s blue economy to global relevance.
MAN’s Acting Rector, Dr. Kevin Okonna, made this pledge during a paper presentation titled “Maritime Academy of Nigeria: Ensuring Efficient Manpower in Nigeria’s Maritime Industry – Strategies and Options,” on Friday at a summit organised by the Association of Maritime Journalists of Nigeria (AMJON).
Represented by the Academy’s Image Manager, Mrs Domo Umoekpe, the Rector said that the academy which was established in 1977 as the nation’s premier maritime education institution, has become a cornerstone in the training of competent professionals for Nigeria’s merchant navy, port operations, and allied maritime sectors.
He observed that central to the Academy’s transformation has been a resolute focus on delivering high quality education that meets both national and international standards and its curriculum is aligned with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) frameworks which is fully accredited by key regulatory bodies such as the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).
Okonna remarked that the Academy’s capacity for simulator-based training has greatly expanded with 4 state-of-the-art simulators including; the Full Mission Bridge, Engine Room, Multi functional Classroom, Ocular Vision Simulators, among others.
He explained that at the Academy, cadets are exposed to practical, real world scenarios that enhance their proficiency.
These are complemented by engineering laboratories, a marine exhibition hall, 4 survival pools, and a recently installed free-fall lifeboat, all of which form part of an immersive training environment while the Academy’s jetty, waterfront survival capsules, and well-stocked modern library, including e-learning resources, further reinforce its commitment to hands-on, up-to-date instruction.
Beyond technical upgrades, he pointed out that the academy has placed a premium on strategic industry collaborations, as it maintains active relationships with globally recognised professional bodies such as the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST), Nautical Institute (UK), Chartered Institute of Transport Administration of Nigeria (CIOTA).
The Ag Rector also said that the Academy plays a leading role in building capacity for other maritime training institutions (MTIs), offering instructor development courses like the IMO Model Course 6.09 and as such, institutions such as the Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenkoko, routinely rely on the Academy for short course training and capacity building.
Some of highlights of the conference was the presentation of excellence awards to the training institution; MAN Oron; as well as other organisations like; NLNG Ship Management Limited (NSML), Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), among others.
