MAN Oron’s Global Maritime Mission in 2025

BY EGUONO ODJEGBA

In 2025, the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron, under its forward-looking leadership, consolidated its role as a premier maritime training institution in West Africa. The Academy’s focus remained on raising educational standards, enhancing cadet performance, and expanding sea time opportunities through strategic partnerships, ensuring graduates are globally competitive in the dynamic maritime labour market.

Under the indefatigable leadership of the Acting Rector, Dr. Kevin Okonna, the pursuit of MAN’s academic excellence and training innovation has continued to gain traction.

In line with its curriculum modernization, the Academy in 2025 again updated its training modules to align with International Maritime Organization (IMO) standards, incorporating advanced simulation technologies and digital navigation systems.

In 2025, there was a leap frog in the area of competency-based learning where Cadets were trained under a performance-driven framework, emphasizing practical skills alongside theoretical knowledge. In the area of faculty development, the Academy witnessed continuous professional training for instructors to ensure that teaching quality matched global benchmarks.

The Okonna led management in the past one year also pursued the improved regime of Cadets’ performance and global marketability through rigorous assessments where Cadets underwent enhanced evaluation systems designed to measure readiness for international maritime roles.

This was made possible through a mentorship programme where senior officers and industry experts provided guidance, fostering discipline, resilience, and adaptability.

In addition, some of these exchange programmess and international seminars gave cadets insights into global shipping practices, boosting employability. Above all, Okonna left nothing to chance as he reinvented existing sea time training and strategic partnerships.

To achieve expanded collaborations, MAN under Okonna’s watch signed new agreements with leading shipping companies and fleet operators, thereby, effectively increasing cadet placements onboard vessels. This is aside external and international partnerships with foreign maritime institutions to provide cadets with access to diverse training environments.

Overall, Cadets gained hands-on experience in navigation, engineering, and safety drills, bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world practice.

The Academy’s leadership emphasized that partnerships remain the cornerstone of sustainable maritime education. By strengthening ties with industry stakeholders, MAN Oron is ensuring cadets not only meet but exceed global standards. Some of the frontline partners include the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), World Maritime University Sweden, Regional Maritime University of Ghana,  NLNG Shipping and Marine Services Limited (NSML), Starzs Marine Investment, Ship Owners Association of Nigeria, Alumni Association of MAN Oron (AMANO), Nigerian Association of Master Mariners, Abuja MoU), and the Association of Marine Engineers and Surveyors among other.

Ultimately, the Academy’s renewed focus is about marketability. With the global maritime industry evolving rapidly, MAN Oron’s leadership is determined to ensure Nigerian cadets are not left behind. By equipping them with world-class training, practical sea experience, and exposure to international standards, the Academy is positioning its graduates as highly sought-after professionals in the global labour market.

Looking ahead, the Academy is committed to expanding digital learning infrastructure, increasing international collaborations, positioning Nigerian cadets as world-class maritime professionals ready to thrive in the global labour market.

Through visionary leadership, academic reforms, and strategic partnerships, the Academy is charting a bold course toward excellence, ensuring its cadets are market-ready, globally recognized, and professionally outstanding; with 2026 offering yet another leap.