MAN Oron Records Historic Firsts in 2025 Transformation Drive

BY EGUONO ODJEGBA

In a year marked by bold reforms and visionary leadership, the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN) Oron has sailed into uncharted territory—achieving a series of historic milestones that have redefined its legacy strengthening its pioneering, leadership position as the nation’s citadel of maritime education.

Briefing journalists at the end of its 3rd Quarter 2025 Citizens/Stakeholders Engagement held at its prestigious Rt Hon. Rotimi Amaechi’s Auditorium Tuesday, September 16, 2025, Acting Rector Dr. Kevin Okonna presented the list of historic milestones achieved since the inception of the current management, noting that the achievements sailed through under the strategic guidance of the Governing Council, led by Engr. Kehinde Akinola as chairman.

Dr. Okonna said the Academy has for the first time since its establishment, completed and submitted a comprehensive Conditions and Scheme of Service for its staff.

He explained that this landmark development currently receiving attention at the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, sets a new precedent for institutional governance and staff welfare in Nigeria’s maritime education sector.S

Speaking further on the Academy’s strategic planning anchored on visionary leadership, he said another first in the series of the Academy’s push is the finalization of a robust 5-Year Strategic Development Plan, recommended to the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy for adoption.

The blueprint he explained outlines a future of expanded training offerings, infrastructural upgrades, and global partnerships—all aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.

This is even as he said that the 2025 Appropriation, approved with the best provisions in the Academy’s history, reinforces this development trajectory, ensuring sustained investment in training quality, faculty expansion, and staff development.

In a move that bridges local relevance with international standards, the Academy he said has trained 75 staff members in ISO 9001:2015 and Educational Organization Management System (EOMS), even as it is preparing for its first-ever international quality certification audit by the Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON).

The Rector said the Academy has also secured partnerships with prestigious global bodies including the Nautical Institute (UK), IMarEST (UK), and Certified Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT), mandating that all cadets be registered with at least one professional association by September 30, 2025.

The arrangement he explained ensures that every Cadet leaves not just with a certificate, but with a global professional identity.

Council Board Chairman, Engr. Akinola also said that after nearly a decade of been disconnected from the national grid, the Academy has reconnected to public power—thanks to the purchase of three new transformers and collaboration with PHED to restore the Eket-Oron power line.

He added that solar installations now power all cadet hostels, which have been fully rehabilitated with new furniture and modern amenities.

The Academy’s commitment to safety and community engagement was evident in its 1st Quarter Stakeholders Engagement, held at Oron Beach Terminal in collaboration with NIWA, where lifejackets were donated to inland waterways operators.

Akinola explained that in line with the Presidential directive, the Academy hosted the 3rd Quarter Citizens and Stakeholders Engagement, essentially to secure commitments from shipowners and associations for onboard training opportunities for it’s cadets.

He said the effort marks a turning point in Nigeria’s maritime training ecosystem, ensuring cadets gain real-world sea time in accordance with STCW standards.

The Academy’s excellence has not gone unnoticed. In 2025 alone, it received multiple awards for best-performing graduates, including:

The Senator Eshilokun Wasiu-Sanni Award

The Nautical Institute Prize

Sea Transport Service of Nigeria’s onboard training scholarships

Employment offers from Arion Energy Services Ltd and Starzs Investment Company Ltd

These accolades reflect the Academy’s rising reputation and the quality of its graduates.

From refurbishing survival capsules to initiating procurement for new simulators, the Academy is not just maintaining standards but more like setting them. With over 3,200 short course participants trained by August 2025 and another 200 cadets set to graduate in November, the institution is thriving.

As it continues to lead other Maritime Training Institutions (MTIs), train instructors under IMO Model Course 6.09, and collaborate with Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) for enhanced certificate recognition, the Maritime Academy of Nigeria located in Oron, Akwa Ibom State stands as a testament to what visionary leadership and strategic investment can achieve.

Present at the meeting is the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola CON, Starz Maritime Ltd, Engr. Greig Ogbeifun, CILT President, Barr. Mfon Usoro, NISA President, Otunba Sola Adewunmi, former CEO NLNG, Captain Hanbali Ahmed Yusuf, Abuja MOU Secretary General, Captain Sunday Umoren among other critical stakeholders.