2025 POP:Rector Charges Graduating Cadets to Uphold Core Values of MAN

BY EGUONO ODJEGBA

It was a day of pride and pageantry at the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron, as the institution held its 2025 Passing Out Parade ( POP) on Monday, 10th November, 2025.

The colourful event marked the culmination of years of rigorous academic and regimental training for the graduating cadets.

Addressing the cadets, the Acting Rector and 2025 Parade Review Officer, Dr. Kevin Okonna, charged them to be worthy ambassadors of the Academy and the maritime industry as a whole. He urged them to uphold the values of discipline, integrity, and excellence instilled in them throughout their training.

Dr. Okonna commended the graduating cadets for their dedication, resilience, and commitment to excellence, noting that their perseverance had prepared them for the challenges and opportunities of the maritime world.

The Acting Rector also appreciated members of Management, staff and the Nigerian Navy for their unwavering efforts in instilling and maintaining high training standards and discipline in the Cadets.

He reaffirmed the Academy’s commitment to continuously producing competent seafarers capable of contributing meaningfully to both national and global maritime development.

Highlighting the uniqueness of the 2025 graduating set, Dr. Okonna described them as “the most fortunate cadets”, having had the rare privilege of meeting and interacting with the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), H.E. Arsenio Dominguez, during his recent visit to Nigeria, adding that their Passing Out Parade was further honoured by the presence of IMO Consultants, which according to him is “a testament to the Academy’s growing international recognition”.

The ceremony featured a captivating display of military precision, including quick and slow march pasts, as well as the reciting of outstanding cadets’ profiles showcasing their discipline, academic excellence, hobbies and leadership qualities.

According to a release by the Academy Head of Public Relations,  Domo Umoekpe, ANIPR, the event drew the presence of the top echelon of Academy’s  Management, staff of the institution, invited dignitaries, families, and friends of the graduating cadets.