Converting MAN, Oron to a University would Dilute Focus Says Academy’s Governing Council Chairman
By Ovie Edomi
At the recent first Quarter 2026,Citizens and Stakeholders Engagement meeting held at the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron main auditorum, as part of the efforts of the management of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron to communicate Government activities to the citizens as a way of inclusiveness in governance, Engr. Kehinde Olayinka Akinola,Chairman, Governing Council,Maritime Academy of Nigeria noted that the Citizens and Stakeholders Engagement held quarterly is one of the cardinal objectives of the current renewed hope administration led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCON.
Engr. Akinola, while emphasising that the Governing Council and the Management of the Academy recognised the importance of the host community, especially the mutual and peaceful relationship in the achievement of the acedemy’s mandate noted that the theme of the first quarter 2026 Citizens and Stakeholders’ engagement tagged “LEVERAGING COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP FOR EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION OF NATIONAL POLICY ON MARINE AND BLUE ECONOMY” was to enable stakeholders to discuss the Potential transformation of the institution”.
Explaining further, Akinola emphasised on the value of preserving the unique identity and professional orientation of the Academy and noted that Maritime Academy of Nigeria has built a reputation of excellence and professionalism in Maritime Education and Training over the years and must therefore, ensure that any changes align with the core mission and strategic development plans of the institution.
According to him, ” The Academy must align with the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for the Seafarers 1978 as amended. This Standard is an international standard set by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO)”
Besides, he told stakeholders that graduates of the Academy are sought after by the industry operators because of the standard of training of the academy that meets industry needs. For instance, Akinola made reference to the 2025 graduation ceremony of the academy where 80 cadets got instant employment opportunity as a result of the confidence that the industry operators have for the products of the Academy.
Conseqently, Akinola, stated that converting the Maritime Academy to a University would undoubtedly bring changes, but that such changes would dilute the focus of the acedemy. According to him “Our strength lies in our specialized programmes, industry connections, global recognition and hand-on-training. Let’s leverage on these strengths to drive innovation and growth”.
Furthermore, the Academy Board chairman noted that the Academy is committed to being a responsible neighbor and partner to the host community,hence the institution undertook various projects under the corporate social responsibility function of the Academy. These projects include: construction of 7 lock-up shops and 19 open stalls at Eyo Abasi, construction of 6000 litre Solar powered borehole at Udung Okung village and installation of 10kva Solar power facilities in the Paramount Ruler of Oron’s residence.
Earier, the academy had facilitated the rehabilitation of the power lines to improve electricity in Oron communities and the academy. This is aside the solar street lights earlier installed along Academy road.
While appealing to the host community to continue to partner with the Academy and the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy in the efforts to produce competent and globally certified seafarers, he noted that there was the
need to retain the essence of what makes the Maritime Academy exceptional. That way, he stressed “we will continue to produce skilled professionals, drive economic growth, foster meaningful partnership and ensure that the institution remains a beacon of excellence in maritime education and training not only in Nigeria but across the sub-region
Dr. Okokon Paul Eyo, Chairman, Maritime Academy Host Community Relations Committee thanked the academy for
organising the enlightenment lecture and noted that it underscores the institution’s unwavering commitment to fostering collaboration and strengthening the bonds between the academy and the host community. According to him “This gesture demonstrates a clear understanding of the importance of community engagement and the pivotal role it plays in the academy’s pursuit of excellence and growth”. He equally commended the Acting Rector Dr. Kevin Okona and his Management Team for executing the 2025 Corporate Social Responsibility Development Projects, which includes: Market Stalls, Solar-Powered Borehole Project, and Solar-Panel Installation. According to him “These initiatives are a testament to the institution’s commitment to enhancing the welfare and development of our community”.
These projects will not only improve the quality of life for our community members but will also contribute to the overall economic growth of the area, fostering a sense of shared prosperity and demonstrating the academy’s role as a responsible corporate he stated while also pleading for employment opportunities for qualified community members both for teaching and non-teaching staff. A development he says will not only enhance the academy’s academic excellence but also foster a sense of ownership and community relations.
The first Quarter 2026,Citizens and Stakeholders Engagement meeting was attended by several stakeholders including Representative of the Hon. Minister, Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Representative of the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Clan Head-Elect of Okpo Eyo- Abasi, Distinguish Senator Nelson Effiong, Executive Chairman Oron Local Government, Members of the host Community relations Committee, President of Nigeria Association of Master Mariners President of AMANO, the Acting Rector,Management and Staff of Maritime Academy of Nigeria amongst others.
Certainly, the academy would be gingered to do more for the host community now that there is an understanding to allow the academy remain as one of the over 500 recognised academies in the world and one of the only three academies in West Africa. Indeed, the academy Governing Council chairman, Engr. Kehinde Olayinka Akinola,and the Academy’s Acting Rector, Dr Kevin Okonna,have every reason to thank the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy for initiating the Quarterly,Citizens and Stakeholders Engagement meeting.