The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola, has urged the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN) to stay committed to producing well-trained professionals for the maritime industry.
Oyetola gave the advice during the academy’s third-quarter citizens’ and stakeholders’ engagement held in Oron, Akwa Ibom. He was represented at the event by Mr. Joshua Ayebameru, Deputy Director of Research, Planning and Statistics.
The minister commended the academy for its role in training skilled personnel over the years, describing it as a key institution in the maritime sector. He said the academy’s programmes and commitment to excellence have continued to provide the manpower needed to keep the industry strong and competitive.
He explained that the meeting was organized to allow stakeholders to share ideas on how to grow Nigeria’s marine and blue economy through training, innovation, and collaboration.
Oyetola stressed that cadets, seafarers, and other maritime professionals trained at the academy must be fully equipped to compete globally and contribute to the growth of the sector. He called on stakeholders to work together, saying the future of Nigeria’s blue economy depends on collective effort.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Governing Council of MAN, Mr. Kehinde Akinola, said the council had prepared a five-year strategic development plan for the academy. He noted that once approved, the plan would drive reforms, improve training standards, strengthen links with the industry, and make the academy more efficient.
Akinola added that the council was working with shipowners and operators to ensure cadets gain practical, hands-on training. He said preparing cadets to meet international standards was a duty that must not be compromised.
The Acting Rector of the academy, Dr. Kevin Okonna, also highlighted reforms achieved within the last 10 months. He said the academy had employed seven marine professionals as lecturers to improve teaching and learning.
Okonna explained that the academy was also partnering with professional associations and alumni to secure jobs for graduates. He confirmed that shipowners had committed to offering onboard training opportunities to cadets.
The event was held under the theme: “Implementation of the National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy for Onboard Training of Nigerian Merchant Navy Cadets and the Critical Needs of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria.”
