The Acting Rector of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Dr. Kevin Okonna, has reiterated that the institution is well equipped to train and produce world class maritime professionals.
According to him, MAN is committed to consistently providing the maritime and allied industries with high-quality education and training that accords with up-to-date technology, meets national and international standards and satisfies or exceeds customers’ expectations.
He made the disclosure while delivering a paper titled “Maritime Academy of Nigeria: Ensuring Efficient Manpower in Nigeria Maritime industry, Strategies and Options”, at the 2025 Annual Conference of the Association of Maritime Journalists of Nigeria (AMJON), held at the Sheraton Hotel, Lagos, on Friday.
The AMJON 2025 Conference was themed “Maritime Development: Training, Ports Efficiency and Shipping Development”.
Okonna, who was represented by MAN’s spokesperson, Domo Umoekpe, disclosed that the Academy has three schools where programmes are offered at both National Diploma and Higher National Diploma levels.
He stated that the Academy has a Specialised Seafarers Training Centre, where Management Courses and Professional Short Courses in Certificate of Competency, in accordance with the STCW 78 (as amended) for personnel of the maritime industry and allied industries, are offered.
“Because 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”.
The Ag. Rector pointed out the ways the Academy is ensuring the development of efficient human capacity, including Modern Maritime Training, World-Class Training Facilities, and Industry Collaboration and Partnerships.
Others are Enabling Learning Environment, Capacity Building for other MTIs, and Competent Instructors. On Modern Maritime Training, the spokesperson explained that the Academy provides innovative maritime programmes that satisfy national and international standards, and comply with statutory requirements.
According to him, all courses offered have the accreditation of notable bodies like the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).
He also mentioned that the Academy’s curriculum is developed and reviewed to align with the standards of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), adding that the school also offers 12 simulator-based courses that are fully accredited.
With reference to World-Class Training Facilities, Okonna said that the Academy utilises up-to-date technology for training as well as simulators and other equipment for practical training.
He emphasised that the school has a Marine Exhibition Hall where various ship parts are on display for cadets and students, especially first-timers.
He stated that the MAN’s Simulators are in line with the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification & Watchkeeping for Seafarers 1978 as amended, revealing the four Simulators – Multi-functional Classroom Simulator, the Full Mission Bridge Simulator, Full Mission Engine Room, and the Ocular Vision Simulators.
Commenting on enabling learning environment, the Ag. Rector said that MAN has created an environment where students’ success, development, and career opportunities thrive, adding that there are conducive hostels and medical facilities for cadets, students and staff.
He noted that the Academy provides leadership and training for other maritime training institutions, including training instructors from other MTIs on IMO Model Course 6.09.
Speaking on Competent Instructors, Okonna revealed that the Academy, through the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, under the visionary leadership of Minister Adegboyega Oyetola, has been able to attract and retain industry experts as instructors.
He mentioned that the quality of training that the Academy offers have attracted foreign students. While acknowledging that Nigeria’s blue economy is expanding, he however, pointed out that 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,” he added.