MAN And Dr. Kevin Okonna’s Transformational Leadership

Special Report

In just 10 months at the helm of affairs, Dr. Kevin Okonna has redefined the trajectory of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron. His administration has not only stabilized the institution but elevated it into a regional benchmark for maritime education and training across West and Central Africa.

Dr. Okonna speaking on the signing of a strategic partnership agreements recently at the Academy

With a clear vision, strategic partnerships, and a relentless drive for excellence, Dr. Okonna is steering MAN, Oron toward global relevance with a new era for maritime education.

In this special report, Eguono Odjegba who participated in the Academy’s 3^rd Quarter 2025 Citizens’ and Stakeholders’ Retreat held on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, identified the various causeways aiding the development of the mandate of the Academy under Okonna’s watch.

Infrastructure Renaissance: Rebuilding the Academy’s Backbone

Dr. Okonna’s tenure began with bold infrastructural reforms, including the following:

Restoration of Public Power Supply: After 8 years of disconnection from the national grid, the campus now enjoys stable electricit, improving both academic and residential life.

Hostel Rehabilitation and Solarization: Cadet hostels were refurbished with modern amenities and solar backup systems, ensuring uninterrupted study conditions.

Smart Classrooms and ICT Expansion: Lecture halls now feature interactive boards, projectors, air-conditioning, and desktop computers, complemented by an automated library and 48-station ICT resource centre.

These upgrades have created a conducive learning environment and boosted morale among cadets and staff.

Faculty Enhancement: Building a World-Class Academic Team

MAN Cadets continuing the wining streaks at the recent WMD Celebration in Lagos

Understanding that top-tier facilities require top-tier instructors, Dr. Okonna prioritized faculty development:

This includes the recruitment of Seven Senior Marine Professionals in addition to foreign Master Mariners and Chief Engineers with global sea experience.

ISO Certification Training: So far, 75 staff have been trained in ISO 9001:2025 and ISO 21001:2025 standards, with 14 certified auditors now on board.

This strategic investment ensures that cadets are mentored by seasoned professionals and that the Academy aligns with international quality benchmarks.

Simulator Revolution: Immersive, Hands-On Training

MAN, Oron now boasts one of Africa’s most advanced simulator suites:

Multi-Functional Classroom (MFC) Simulator: Integrates eight simulators, including Navigation, ECDISS, GMDSS, Engine Room, and Dynamic Positioning systems.

Survival Pool Complex: Features HUET simulators and free-fall lifeboats for realistic emergency drills.

These facilities allow cadets to master real-world maritime scenarios before stepping aboard actual vessels.

 Industry Collaboration: Bridging Classroom and Sea

Dr. Okonna has aggressively pursued partnerships to solve the critical “Sea Time” bottleneck. This includes stakeholder engagements where commitments are been secured from shipowners for onboard training of cadets.

Professional Body Registrations: As part of the latest drive, cadets now registered with IMarEST, CILT Nigeria, and the Institute of Nautical Studies, thus enhancing their global employability.

MAN now connected to electricity and enjoying steady supply after an interval of dependence on full time genetor

These efforts ensure cadets graduate not just with knowledge, but with practical experience and professional recognition.

Recognition and Cadet Success: Industry Validation

The Academy’s rising profile is reflected in the accolades and opportunities its graduates receive.

Award-Winning Cadets: Recipients of the Senator Eshilokun Wasiu-Sanni Prize, Nautical Institute Prize, Mfon Usoro Award, and more remains as part of the essential growth trajectory.

Employment Offers and Sea Time Berths: Top firms like Arion Energy Services Ltd now actively recruit MAN, Oron graduates. It is instructive to note that Okonna’s leadership is producing professionals the maritime industry is eager to absorb.

Strategic Vision: Planning for Sustainable Growth

Looking ahead, Dr. Okonna has laid out a robust 5-Year Strategic Development Plan:

This includes Expansion of Simulator Inventory, Broader Course Offerings, and Waiver for Permanent Academic Staffing.

These initiatives aim to institutionalize excellence and secure MAN’s place as a continental leader in maritime education.

National Alignment: Supporting the Blue Economy Agenda

Dr. Okonna’s reforms align with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the strategic vision of the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, HE Adegboyega Oyetola, CON. His administration is a model of how educational leadership can drive national development goals.

Conclusion: A Rector with Vision, Grit, and Impact

Dr. Kevin Okonna’s tenure at MAN Oron is unarguably a master class in visionary leadership. From infrastructure to faculty, from simulators to stakeholder engagement, his administration has delivered results that resonate far beyond the Academy’s waterfront campus.

Under his stewardship, MAN Oron is not just educating cadets but shaping the future of maritime excellence in Africa.

But he is not alone, an avid team player, Okonna is supported in this journey by his principal managers who as directors cascades downwards, management’s plans and initiatives for implementation, monitoring and compliance. This include the Registrar,  Mr.  Peter Netson, and the Director, Researcg and Strategic Development, Dr. John Adeyanju.