‘We’re Consistent In Our Mandate To Provide Quality Maritime Training’ – Okonna

BY EGUONO ODJEGBA

Acting Rector of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN) Oron, Dr. Kevin Okonna says the Academy remains well positioned and equipped to continue to deliver on its statutory mandate in providing maritime training to meet the country’s need for middle level manpower in seafaring and administration among other allied needs; in line with the standards and guidelines of   the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

Okonna averred that the criticality of MAN to the realization of the nation’s emerging marine and blue economy and other components of the national economy is a focal point and guiding compass  for management, noting that this mandate is significant and non negotiable.

The acting rector who spoke in Lagos on Friday during a presentation at the Association of Maritime Journalists of Nigeria (AMJON) Conference, with the theme: “Maritime Development: Training, Ports Efficiency and Shipping Imperatives” said the Academy has achieved a regional recognition for its leading maritime training role, and have also attracted global attention for its quality delivery; with cadets from the Academy excelling in various areas of specialization in the global seafaring map.

Dr. Okonna who was represented by Domo Umoekpe, Head, MAN Public Relations, also highlighted efforts by the Academy at delivering various specialized training to maritime professionals, in addition to supporting and offering training to students of regional and sister maritime training institutions.

In a blow by blow segmentation, Okonna provided the historical and immediate milestones the over 40 year’s institution has achieved.

Umoekpe explained that the vision of the Academy is built on in maritime education and training, committed to consistently providing the merchant navy, the maritime industry and allied industries with high-quality education and training that accords with up-to-date technology, meets national and international standards.

With three major faculty including the School of Engineering, School of Maritime Transport Studies and School of Nautical Studies , MAN runs both National Diploma and Higher National Diploma programmes. The Academy also have a Specialized Seafarers Training Centre, where Management Courses as well as Professional Short Courses leading to Certificate of Competency are awarded in accordance with the STCW 78 (as amended) for personnel of the maritime industry and allied industries.

According to Umoekpe, “Human capacity is the bedrock of maritime development, our quality policy statement is tailored towards ensuring a steady supply of competent, globally competitive maritime professionals for Nigeria and beyond.

“All our courses have the accreditation of notable bodies like the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA and the National Board for Technical Education, NBTE. Our curriculum is developed and reviewed to align with the standards of the International Maritime Organisation, IMO. We offer 12 simulator-based courses that are fully accredited.

“We utilise up-to-date technology for training. We have simulators and other equipment for practical training. We have a Marine Exhibition Hall where various ship parts are on display for cadets and students, especially first-timers”, adding:

“Our Simulators are in line with the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification & Watchkeeping for Seafarers 1978 as amended. We have four Simulators, namely the Multi-functional Classroom Simulator, the Full Mission Bridge Simulator; Full Mission Engine Room, and the Ocular Vision Simulators.”

Continuing she said, “We have four Survival Pools and a Free Fall Life Boat with a launching Davit recently installed at the Academy Jetty open to the waterfront front consisting of two survival capsules which are usually launched during training. Our modern Libraries with rare books and journals for Cadets and trainees offer in depth exposure to all those who come to the Academy.”

On industry collaborations and partnerships to ensure that Cadets are well versed in current seafaring trends, she said the Academy is actively pursuing quality improvement and partnerships for sea-time placement through industry collaboration with professional bodies like the Institute of Marine Engineering and Technology, IMarEST, the Nautical Institute, UK and Chartered Institute of Transport and Administration of Nigeria, CIOTA and many other notable global organizations.

Speaking on standard enabling learning environment, she said the Academy is provided with smart classrooms, training tools and amenities that makes learning encouraging and interesting.

“We have created an environment where students’ success, development, and career opportunities thrive. Conducive hostels and medical facilities for cadets, students and staff are available at the Academy

“The Academy provides leadership and training for other Maritime Training Institutions, we train instructors from other MTIs on IMO Model Course 6.09. The Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenkoko in Delta State from time to time brings its students to the Academy for Mandatory Short Course Training.”

MAN she says prides itself with qualified teaching staff and competent instructors for practical sessions. “The Academy through the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy under the visionary leadership of the Honourable Minister,  His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, has been able to attract and retain industry experts as instructors. The quality of training that we offer has attracted foreign students to the Academy.

“Nigeria’s blue economy is expanding, but without skilled manpower, the tide won’t be able to lift all ships. The Maritime Academy of Nigeria is committed to delivering its core mandate. We’re not just training maritime professionals, we are charting Nigeria’s course to global relevance which is the focus of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.”