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The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Secretary General, Mr. Arsenio Dominguez, and Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Hon. Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, have lauded the Acting Rector of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron, Dr. Kevin Okonna, for the institution’s remarkable transformation and commitment to global standards in maritime education and training.
The commendations came after Dr. Okonna’s presentation on the Academy’s progress since the IMO’s 2017 Technical Advisory Mission, where he showcased significant improvements in infrastructure, training quality, and administrative performance that have repositioned MAN, Oron as a centre of excellence in maritime capacity building.
Oyetola, in his remarks, said the Academy’s current trajectory reflects the Federal Government’s renewed drive to align maritime education with the broader goals of the Blue Economy.
“I want to commend you for the good work you are doing at MAN, Oron. The transformation taking place there is impressive and aligns with our mission to produce world-class seafarers and maritime professionals,” the Minister stated.
On his part, the IMO Secretary General expressed satisfaction with the Academy’s adherence to international training standards and its dedication to developing competent, technology-driven seafarers.
“From the presentation, it is evident that MAN, Oron has grown immensely since 2017. The facilities and innovations show Nigeria’s serious commitment to maritime excellence,” Dominguez noted.
During his presentation, Dr. Okonna highlighted the Academy’s sweeping reforms, which include the installation of state-of-the-art simulators, a fully equipped marine engineering workshop, modern survival pool complex, and a jetty with full PSCRB training facilities. The Academy also boasts a Marine Exhibition Hall, free-fall lifeboat with davit, and functional marine engines for hands-on learning.
He disclosed that the Academy now trains and graduates about 200 cadets annually, with most enrolled in seafaring disciplines, while over 4,000 professionals participate yearly in 48 accredited short courses and specialized seafarers’ training programmes.
According to him, these developments align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to unlock the potential of Nigeria’s Blue Economy and position the nation as a maritime powerhouse in West Africa.
“Our focus is on excellence, transparency, and innovation. We are committed to sustaining this progress through strategic partnerships with industry stakeholders,” Dr. Okonna said.
Cadets engage IMO Chief
In a related development, Mr. Dominguez held a two-hour interactive session with 20 MAN cadets, offering mentorship and insights on global maritime trends, sustainable shipping, and career development.
He encouraged them to embrace humility, integrity, and lifelong learning, describing these as the pillars of professional success at sea.
The Chief Cadet Captain, Ibezimako Anthony Udoka, speaking on behalf of his peers, thanked the Acting Rector for creating platforms that expose cadets to international best practices.
“We have never had it this good. From modern hostels to 24-hour power supply, smart classrooms, and world-class training facilities — the Academy truly represents hope for the next generation of seafarers,” he said.
With the strong commendations from both the IMO and the Federal Government, MAN, Oron continues to strengthen its position as Nigeria’s maritime flagship institution – steering the course for a new era of professionalism, innovation, and global relevance.
