MAN Council Chairman, Akinola, Lauds Tinubu on Marine and Blue Economy

BY EGUONO ODJEGBA

The Chairman of the 6th Governing Council of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Engr. Kehinde Akinola, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his visionary leadership and strategic direction in advancing Nigeria’s Marine and Blue Economy. Speaking at the 3rd Quarter 2025 Citizens and Stakeholders’ Engagement held on September 16 at the Academy’s campus, Akinola described the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda as a transformative framework that is reshaping maritime education, policy, and industry partnerships.

Engr. Akinola emphasized that the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda has provided a clear roadmap for policy articulation and delivery, especially in the marine sector. He noted that the quarterly engagement series reflects the administration’s commitment to transparency, citizen involvement, and measurable outcomes in the Marine and Blue Economy.

The theme of the engagement, “Implementation of the National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy with Particular Reference to Onboard Training Opportunities for Merchant Navy Cadets,” was hailed as timely and critical. Akinola highlighted the importance of providing sea-time and onboard exposure for cadets, describing it as both a national obligation and a strategic opportunity to elevate Nigeria’s maritime workforce to global standards.

Under the stewardship of the 6th Governing Council, the Academy has initiated several landmark reforms, covering strategic development plan and institutional milestones. This includes a five-year strategic development plan, conceived and completed under Council oversight, which is currently awaiting ministerial approval. It aims to drive institutional reform, enhance training standards, and position the Academy among the top maritime institutions in West and Central Africa.

Staff Conditions and Scheme of Service: For the first time since the Academy’s founding in 1977, a comprehensive scheme has been developed and submitted to the Office of the Head of the Civil Service for approval.

These initiatives, according to Akinola, reflect the Council’s proactive approach and alignment with the Federal Government’s emphasis on accountability and delivery. On industry partnership and stakeholder support, Engr. Akinola called on shipowners and maritime operators to collaborate with the Academy in providing onboard training opportunities for cadets. He stressed that such partnerships are essential to turning theoretical knowledge into practical competence, thereby producing globally competitive seafarers.

He also extended gratitude to the Honourable Minister, Acting Rector Dr. Kevin Okonna, and the Academy’s management for their dedication, and to stakeholders for their continued support in shaping the future of maritime education and the Blue Economy.

In his closing, Akinola reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to national development through maritime excellence. He welcomed all participants to the Academy and expressed optimism for a productive and forward-looking engagement.

“Your presence here today reinforces the shared responsibility we bear for the future of maritime education and training and the Blue Economy in Nigeria,” he concluded.