MAN Oron, Liberia Maritime Training Institute in Strategic Partnership 

BY EGUONO ODJEGBA

As part of its efforts to fully realise its mandate, the nation’s foremost maritime education and training institution, the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron, has moved to advance plans for a strategic partnership with the Liberia Maritime Training Institute (LMTI) and the Liberia Maritime Authority (LiMA).

The landmark engagement, which was held from 23rd to 27th February 2026, underscores the Academy’s commitment to promoting maritime education, professional training, and human capacity development across the West and Central Africa.

According to a statement by the Head of Department of MAN Public Relations, Domo Umoekpe, ANIPR, under the proposed partnership, both institutions would establish a lecturer exchange programme; Maritime Education and Training (MET) resource sharing; peer review of MET Curriculla in areas of expertise; and the promotion of courses offered by both institutions on each partners’ communication platforms including their Websites.

The cooperation and mutual exchange also includes Training of Liberian Youths at the Academy; Placement of MAN Cadets Onboard Liberian flagged Vessels for Sea-time Training and the Training of Liberian Port State Control Officers at the Academy in collaboration with the Abuja MoU on Port State Control.

The Chairman, Governing Council of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria,  Engr. Kehinde Olayinka Akinola, said the visit was part of the ongoing efforts of the Federal Government of Nigeria to strengthen regional maritime cooperation, institutional capacity, enhance global best practices, and position Nigeria as a hub of maritime operations in the sub-region.

“This visit majorly underscores the Federal Government of Nigeria’s commitment to advancing maritime education and international best practices in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda for the Marine and Blue Economy sector. The proposed agreement will strengthen sub-regional cooperation and fast-track collective growth within the blue economy sector”, he said.

This is even as he expressed satisfaction with LiMA’s well-structured maritime administration system, strong adherence to global maritime conventions, and commitment to competitiveness within the international maritime community.

In his presentation during the visit, the Acting Rector of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Dr. Kevin Okonna reaffirmed the Academy’s dedication to continually develop highly skilled and competent seafarers capable of competing with their counterparts around the globe.

He emphasised that the Academy’s retinue of competent workforce, state-of-the-art training facilities and enhanced curriculla have positioned the institution as one of the best maritime education and training institutions in the world, aligning the Academy’s remarkable strides with the visionary policy direction of the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, HE Adegboyega Oyetola, CON.

Okonna said the partnership will open new pathways for knowledge exchange, institutional collaboration, and practical training that will benefit cadets, instructors, and maritime operators across the sub-region.

He said, “We acknowledge and recognise Liberia for its significant stance in the global maritime community, particularly as a nation with the world’s largest merchant ship fleet/tonnage and as a Category A Member of the Council of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).”

“This partnership reflects our shared vision to build a new generation of highly skilled and globally competitive seafarers through collaboration, innovation, and capacity development. It would enable both institutions to leverage each other’s strong points to enhance the quality of MET and capacity building for lecturers and cadets,” he added.

In his response, the Deputy Commissioner of the Liberia Maritime Authority, Mr. John F. Harvey welcomed the Academy’s delegation, noting that partnership between the two countries was a welcomed development that will serve as a model for other regional collaborations.

While reaffirming his organisation’s unwavering commitment to maritime development,  he described the proposed collaboration between MAN, Oron, LMTI, and LiMA as a major step towards strengthening regional maritime cooperation.

“Let me reaffirm our unwavering commitment to  mutually beneficial partnerships that would enhance maritime education and training excellence and professional development of our Cadets,” he said.

Other officials of the Liberian Maritime Authority who spoke differently expressed profound admiration for a well articulated and insightful  presentation by the Academy’s delegation, noting that the presentation showcased the Academy’s institutional capacity, strategic direction and commitment to excellence.

The partnership initiative is expected to chart new pathways for strategic collaboration in a lot of areas, foster innovation, maintain maritime training excellence, deepen capacity-building initiatives, strengthen research partnerships, and promote cross-border knowledge/culture transfer.

The Nigerian delegation further undertook a guided tour of the top-notched marine engineering training facilities of the Liberia Maritime Training Institute (LMTI) and were treated to a beautiful parade display by the Cadets of the LMTI.

Others in the Academy’s delegation were Council Members: Hon. Faisal Halidu, Hon. Samuel Isichei, Mrs. Hussaina Inja, Hon. Shegu Maigari; Members of Academy’s Management: Director,  Research and Strategic Development, Dr. John Adeyanju; Ag. Registrar, Mr. P. M. Netson and Ag. Bursar, Mr. Anthony Ambi.

The Secretary General,  Abuja Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control for West and Central Africa and a partner of the Academy for PSCO Course, Capt. Sunday Umoren; Senior Assistant Regiatrar- Rectorate, Mr. Ime Morgan; Senior Lecturer-Marine Engineering,  Mr. Hope Inyang and Academy’s Image Manager, Domo Umoekpe, also participated in the Study Tour.

The Study Tour was facilitated by Marshall Shield, represented by Mr. Emmanuel Maiguwa and Mr. Steve Ujah.