Maritime Academy Cadets Secure 80 Sea-Time Offers, Instant Jobs as Stakeholders Rally Support

BY EGUONO ODJEGBA

In a historic show of support for Nigeria’s maritime manpower development, over 80 graduating cadets of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron, are believed to have received instant job offers and sea-time training placements during the Academy’s 2025 graduation ceremony.

The landmark gesture, described as unprecedented, is poised to reshape the trajectory of seafaring education and employment in the country. It will be recalled that a total of 221 cadets graduated with Higher National Diploma (HND) and National Diploma (ND) qualifications across various disciplines. Of these, 80 cadets were offered immediate employment and sea-time training slots, a critical requirement for professional certification under the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW).

Shipowners Association of Nigeria (SOAN) President, Mr. Sonny Eja, announced 55 sea-time training slots, with 50 provided by SOAN and five by Petromarine Nigeria Ltd. Others that made  jobs offering  and sundry support kinds include Transport Services Nigeria Ltd, Arion Energy service Ltd, and Alumni nof the Maritime Academy of Nigeria  Oron

At the cadets’ graduation ceremony in Oron, Starzs Investment Ltd CEO, Engr. Greg Ogbeifun, awarded instant employment to four outstanding graduates, each receiving ₦1 million cash rewards. Sea Transport Services Nigeria Ltd, led by Aminu Umar (represented by Musa Ado Ibn-Saidu), offered jobs and ₦250,000 cash gifts to eight cadets.

Additional support came from Arion Energy Services Ltd, Bricks Ltd, and the Alumni Association of Maritime Academy Oron (AMANO).

Acting Rector, Dr. Kevin Okonna, lauded the maritime community for rallying behind the Academy’s cadets. He highlighted several institutional milestones achieved under his leadership:

Staff Welfare: For the first time, the Academy secured approval for its Staff Conditions of Service from the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, a major step toward attracting and retaining skilled professionals.

Quality Assurance: MAN completed Stage One of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) quality audit and is preparing for Stage Two, aiming for ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 21001:2025 certifications.

Infrastructure: Restoration of public power supply to Oron after eight years, rehabilitation of solar facilities for 24-hour hostel electricity, and registration of all cadets with international professional associations including the Nautical Institute (UK), IMarEST (UK), and CILT Nigeria.

Awards: The Nautical Institute Prize was introduced for the Best Graduating Cadet in HND Nautical Science, with a certificate and cash award in British Pounds.

Dr. Okonna also revealed ongoing collaborations to expand international opportunities for cadets which include:

-Advanced partnership talks with NLNG Shipping and Marine Services Limited (NSML) for onboard ship training.

-A forthcoming Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Regional Maritime University (RMU), Ghana, to strengthen Maritime Education and Training (MET) and certification.

-An MoU with Abuja MoU on Port State Control in West and Central Africa to deliver Port State Control Officers (PSCO) training, approved by NIMASA.

The Rector disclosed that the Academy recently hosted independent evaluators from the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to assess Nigeria’s compliance with STCW standards. He emphasized that the graduating class embodies discipline, technical competence, and professionalism, making them fit for purpose in advancing Nigeria’s Marine and Blue Economy.

“Our cadets are ready to contribute meaningfully to the global maritime industry. I recommend them to stakeholders for employment and mentorship in the interest of our treasured marine and blue economy,” Dr. Okonna affirmed.

The 2025 graduation marks a turning point for MAN Oron, with stakeholders offering unprecedented support through jobs, sea-time placements, and international collaborations.

If sustained, this momentum could redefine Nigeria’s maritime education and employment narrative, positioning the Academy as a hub for world-class seafarer training.