The maritime industry plays a pivotal role in global trade, with shipping and port operations serving as the backbone of international commerce. Recognizing the importance of skilled manpower to sustain this sector, the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron, Akwa Ibom State, was established in 1977 to provide world-class education and training for merchant navy personnel and allied professions.
At its 2025 Third Quarter Citizens’ and Stakeholders’ Engagement 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 Academy”, stakeholders reviewed the academy’s achievements and outlined future priorities.
Expanding Training Standards
Acting Rector, Dr. Kevin Okonna, reaffirmed MAN’s commitment to its founding mandate and noted that, in the ten months of his leadership, significant policy measures had been implemented to align the academy with the 1978 International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW).
He disclosed that seven marine professionals had been recruited since January to enhance teaching quality, with more appointments expected soon. Partnerships with shipowners and professional bodies—including the Nautical Institute (UK), the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST), and the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT)—have secured opportunities for cadets’ onboard training and professional registration.
Okonna also highlighted closer collaboration with the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) to strengthen recognition of Nigeria’s seafarers’ certificates of competency.
Simulator Investments and Infrastructure Development
To improve academic delivery, the academy recently acquired advanced simulators, including a multifunctional classroom simulator, full-mission bridge and engine room simulators, and virtual reality training systems. These facilities, developed in partnership with Applied Research International (ARI), provide cadets with internationally accredited courses that are consistently oversubscribed.
Beyond academics, the academy has prioritised cadet and staff welfare. Power supply to the institution and host community was restored after eight years through new transformers and collaboration with the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company. Hostels have been fully rehabilitated, furnished, and equipped with solar backup systems, while staff welfare policies and service schemes were also completed during Okonna’s tenure.
Growing Capacity and Outputs
According to the rector, the academy will graduate over 200 cadets on November 13, all of whom are registered members of professional bodies with access to international networks. In 2024, the academy trained 4,595 participants in short courses. By August 2025, an additional 3,217 participants had completed 48 mandatory short courses, certificate preparatory classes, and simulator-based programmes.
Governing Council and Stakeholder Support
Chairman of the Governing Council, Kehinde Akinola, announced that a Five-Year Strategic Development Plan is in progress to deepen industry linkages, strengthen training standards, and position MAN among leading maritime training institutions in West and Central Africa.
He stressed the council’s resolve to secure practical onboard training for cadets, adding: “We must prepare our cadets to meet international standards and maintain Nigeria’s competitiveness in the maritime sector.”
Federal Government’s Commitment
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola—represented by Joshua Ayebameru, Deputy Director of Research, Planning and Statistics—commended MAN for its contributions to human capacity development in the sector. He urged the academy to sustain its role as a cornerstone of maritime training, producing globally competitive professionals.
“The future of Nigeria’s Marine and Blue Economy depends on our collective resolve and partnership. If we work together, we will not only build a stronger sector but also secure lasting benefits for generations to come,” Oyetola said.
Outlook
With seven accredited cadetship training programmes and 48 short professional courses already in place, MAN continues to be central to Nigeria’s maritime manpower development. Stakeholders expressed confidence that under the current leadership, the academy will surpass existing standards of excellence and further strengthen Nigeria’s blue economy through innovation, training, and industry collaboration.