In a resolute call to action, Adegboyega Oyetola, Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, has charged the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron, with the critical responsibility of maintaining its legacy of producing globally competitive professionals for the maritime industry. Speaking through his representative, Mr. Joshua Ayebameru, Deputy Director of Research, Planning, and Statistics in the Ministry, Oyetola emphasized the indispensable role of the academy in sustaining the vibrancy and competitiveness of Nigeria’s maritime sector. The remarks were delivered during the academy’s third-quarter citizens’ and stakeholders’ engagement held on Wednesday, an event designed to foster collaboration, innovation, and strategic advancement in the marine and blue economy.
The minister’s address underscored the academy’s longstanding reputation for excellence, highlighting its consistent production of highly skilled personnel who have significantly contributed to the robustness of Nigeria’s maritime industry. “The Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, has, over the years, trained qualified personnel who have kept Nigeria’s maritime industry vibrant and competitive,” Oyetola stated, emphasizing that the institution must not waver in upholding its rigorous standards. He reiterated that the academy’s programs, training methodologies, and unwavering commitment to excellence are pivotal in generating the skilled manpower required to sustain and elevate the sector.
Oyetola further elaborated on the purpose of the stakeholders’ engagement, describing it as a platform to encourage partnerships, enhance training initiatives, and drive innovation to advance Nigeria’s marine and blue economy. He stressed the importance of equipping seafarers, cadets, and maritime professionals with the skills and knowledge necessary to compete on a global stage. “The maritime industry is a global one, and our professionals must be adequately prepared to meet international standards,” he noted, urging stakeholders to unite in building a sustainable and prosperous future for the sector.
The minister’s remarks also highlighted the broader vision of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, which seeks to harness the vast potential of Nigeria’s maritime resources to drive economic growth, create jobs, and enhance national development. He emphasized that the academy’s role in this vision is pivotal, as it serves as the cornerstone for training the next generation of maritime professionals who will propel the industry forward. Oyetola called for a collective effort from all stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector operators, and international partners, to support the academy’s mission and ensure its continued success.
In a complementary address, Mr. Kehinde Akinola, Chairman of MAN’s Governing Council, provided insights into the strategic initiatives being undertaken to reposition the academy for greater impact. He revealed that the council had developed a comprehensive five-year strategic development plan aimed at accelerating institutional reforms, elevating training standards, and fostering stronger linkages with industry stakeholders. This strategic blueprint, according to Akinola, is designed to address the evolving needs of the maritime industry and position the academy as a global leader in maritime education and training.
Akinola further disclosed that the council was actively collaborating with shipowners and operators to secure practical training opportunities for cadets. These partnerships, he noted, are critical to bridging the gap between theoretical education and real-world application, ensuring that cadets gain hands-on experience aboard vessels. “Our goal is to ensure that our cadets are not only well-educated but also well-prepared to navigate the complexities of the maritime industry,” he said. By facilitating onboard training, the academy aims to produce graduates who are ready to meet the demands of the global maritime workforce.
The Acting Rector of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Dr. Kevin Okonna, also addressed the gathering, providing an overview of the institution’s achievements and ongoing efforts to enhance its academic and operational framework. He revealed that in the last 10 months, the academy had undertaken significant measures to reposition itself for improved teaching and learning outcomes. Among these efforts was the recruitment of seven marine professional lecturers, a move aimed at strengthening the institution’s academic capacity and ensuring that students receive instruction from experts with practical industry experience.
Dr. Okonna also highlighted the academy’s strategic partnerships with shipowners and alumni, which have been instrumental in expanding opportunities for cadets to gain practical training aboard ships. These collaborations, he noted, are part of a broader effort to align the academy’s programs with the needs of the maritime industry, both locally and internationally. “We are committed to producing graduates who are not only academically sound but also practically equipped to excel in the maritime sector,” he affirmed. The Acting Rector emphasized that these initiatives are part of a deliberate strategy to enhance the academy’s reputation as a center of excellence in maritime education.
The stakeholders’ engagement, themed “Implementation of the National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy for Onboard Training of Nigerian Merchants Navy Cadets and the Critical Needs of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria,” served as a platform for robust discussions and strategic planning. The event brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including government officials, industry leaders, shipowners, maritime professionals, and representatives from academia, to chart new directions for the industry. The theme underscored the importance of aligning the academy’s training programs with national policies aimed at harnessing the potential of Nigeria’s marine and blue economy.
The discussions at the event focused on several key areas, including the need for enhanced onboard training opportunities, the integration of modern technologies in maritime education, and the importance of fostering innovation to address emerging challenges in the industry. Participants emphasized the critical role of practical training in preparing cadets for the demands of the maritime profession, particularly in areas such as navigation, marine engineering, and safety management. The engagement also highlighted the need for increased investment in infrastructure and resources at the academy to support its growth and development.
The Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, has long been a cornerstone of the nation’s maritime education system, playing a pivotal role in training professionals who contribute to the growth and sustainability of the industry. Established with a mandate to produce skilled manpower for the maritime sector, the academy has consistently delivered on its mission, earning recognition both locally and internationally. Its programs, which include nautical science, marine engineering, and maritime transport and business studies, are designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills required to excel in various aspects of the industry.
The academy’s commitment to excellence is reflected in its rigorous academic standards, state-of-the-art facilities, and emphasis on practical training. Over the years, it has produced graduates who have gone on to hold key positions in the maritime industry, both in Nigeria and abroad. These professionals have contributed to the country’s maritime sector by ensuring the safe and efficient operation of vessels, managing port operations, and driving innovation in areas such as shipping and logistics.
The stakeholders’ engagement provided an opportunity to reflect on the academy’s achievements while also identifying areas for improvement. Participants acknowledged the need for continuous investment in the institution to maintain its competitive edge in the global maritime education landscape. This includes upgrading training facilities, adopting new technologies, and expanding partnerships with industry stakeholders to provide cadets with cutting-edge training opportunities.
The event also highlighted the broader context of Nigeria’s marine and blue economy, which holds immense potential for economic diversification and growth. With its extensive coastline, abundant marine resources, and strategic position in global shipping routes, Nigeria is well-positioned to become a major player in the global maritime industry. However, realizing this potential requires a skilled and competent workforce, which underscores the importance of institutions like the Maritime Academy of Nigeria.
The minister’s call for stakeholders to join forces in building a sustainable future for the maritime sector resonated strongly with participants. They emphasized the need for a collaborative approach that involves government, industry, and academia working together to address the challenges facing the sector. These challenges include inadequate infrastructure, limited access to modern training facilities, and the need for greater alignment between academic programs and industry requirements.
To address these challenges, the academy has taken proactive steps to enhance its training programs and infrastructure. The recruitment of marine professional lecturers, for example, is a strategic move to ensure that students receive instruction from individuals with deep industry knowledge and experience. Similarly, partnerships with shipowners and alumni are helping to create a pipeline of opportunities for cadets to gain practical experience, which is essential for their professional development.
The five-year strategic development plan outlined by the Governing Council Chairman represents a roadmap for the academy’s future growth. The plan focuses on key areas such as institutional reforms, curriculum development, and industry collaboration, all of which are critical to maintaining the academy’s relevance in a rapidly evolving industry. By implementing this plan, the academy aims to position itself as a global leader in maritime education, capable of producing professionals who can compete with their counterparts from any part of the world.
The stakeholders’ engagement also served as a reminder of the importance of aligning the academy’s activities with national policies, particularly the National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy. This policy, which was introduced to harness the economic potential of Nigeria’s maritime resources, emphasizes the need for a skilled workforce to drive the sector’s growth. By aligning its training programs with the objectives of this policy, the academy can play a central role in achieving the government’s vision for the marine and blue economy.
The event concluded with a renewed sense of commitment among stakeholders to support the Maritime Academy of Nigeria in its mission to produce world-class maritime professionals. Participants expressed optimism about the academy’s future, citing its strong leadership, strategic vision, and dedication to excellence as key factors that will drive its success. They also called for continued collaboration between the government, industry, and academia to ensure that the academy has the resources and support it needs to thrive.
In his closing remarks, the Acting Rector reiterated the academy’s commitment to its mandate, emphasizing that it would continue to prioritize quality education, practical training, and innovation. He thanked the stakeholders for their support and pledged to work closely with them to achieve the academy’s goals. “The Maritime Academy of Nigeria is poised for greatness, and with the support of our stakeholders, we will continue to produce professionals who will make Nigeria proud on the global stage,” he said.
As Nigeria seeks to unlock the full potential of its marine and blue economy, the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, remains a critical institution in this journey. Its role in training skilled professionals, fostering innovation, and building partnerships will be instrumental in positioning Nigeria as a leader in the global maritime industry. With a clear strategic vision, strong leadership, and the support of stakeholders, the academy is well on its way to achieving its mission of producing globally competitive maritime professionals.
