AT AMJON CONFERENCE 2025: MAN Oron Charts Path For Efficient Manpower For Blue Economy

By Roland Ekama 

The Acting Rector of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN) Oron, Akwa Ibom State ,Dr. Kevin Okonna, has highlighted strategic initiatives for bolstering manpower in the country’s maritime industry .

Speaking at the 2025 Association of Maritime Journalists of Nigeria (AMJON) Conference, held in Lagos Lagos on Friday., Dr. Okonna’s paper, presented by the Academy’s Image Manager, Domo Umoekpe, focused on the theme “Maritime Development: Training, Ports Efficiency, and Shipping Development.”

Commitment to maritime excellence, the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, founded in 1977 as the nation’s foremost maritime institution, is dedicated to training the workforce needed for the merchant navy, ports, and diverse marine-related sectors. The Academy’s mission is to emerge as a globally recognised centre of excellence in maritime education and training.

On the quality policy restated at the event, the Academy boss pledged to deliver education aligned with up-to-date technology, adhering to both national and international standards, and continually meeting or surpassing stakeholder expectations.

Dr. Okonna emphasized that skilled manpower is fundamental to maritime sector progress. He reaffirmed the Academy’s resolve to not only produce competent maritime professionals but also to support the broader objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda under President Bola Tinubu — steering Nigeria towards global competitiveness in the blue economy.

He extended appreciation to the Honourable Minister, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola CON, NIMASA, industry stakeholders, and the media for their unwavering support and contributions to the Academy’s growth.

The Academy boss further assured continued dedication to high-quality maritime education and industry partnerships as Nigeria seeks to deepen its presence in the global maritime arena.

The Acting Rector stressed that Under the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, the Academy has recruited experienced industry professionals as instructors, attracting international students and raising the training standard, while affirming that the MAN Oron has partnered with domestic and international professional bodies, such as IMarEST, the Nautical Institute (UK), and CIOTA, to secure sea-time placements and expose cadets to current industry trends.

Showcasing the facilities available at the foremost seafarers’ school, the acting Rector reiterated that “The Academy comprises three main schools — Engineering, Maritime Transport Studies, and Nautical Studies — offering National Diploma and Higher National Diploma programs. A specialised Seafarers Training Centre provides management and professional short courses in line with the STCW 78 Convention (as amended), equipping personnel for maritime and allied industries.”

To address the ever-growing need for capable hands in Nigeria’s blue economy, Dr. Okonna outlined several ongoing strategies to include –
“All courses are accredited by key bodies such as NIMASA and the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE). The curriculum is routinely reviewed to meet International Maritime Organisation (IMO) standards, including a suite of 12 simulator-based programs fully accredited for hands-on learning.

“Training leverages advanced technology and facilities, including four distinct simulators (Multi-functional Classroom, Full Mission Bridge, Full Mission Engine Room, and Ocular Vision), well-equipped engineering labs, four survival pools, a Free Fall Life Boat, and a dedicated jetty with survival capsules. A modern library, complete with e-learning resources, supports cadets and staff,”he noted.

Earlier , President of AMJON, Comrade Kelvin Kagbare , commended management of the Academy for building capacity for Nigeria youths seeking seafaring profession.