Maritime Academy’s ISO Certification Positions Nigeria For Global Maritime Relevance
By Ovie Edomi
The recent presentation of Integrated Management System (IMS) Certification to Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, Akwa Ibom state is a clear demonstration of commitment to excellence, quality assurance, environmental sustainability, occupational health and safety standards. Facilitated by the Standards Organisation, the certification, underscores the Academy’s adherence to internationally recognized standards and best practices.
It also reflects a strong culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and operational efficiency-qualities that are indispensable in today’s highly competitive and safety-conscious maritime industry. The certification, according to the Minister,Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola CON, who was represented by Chairman of the Governing Council of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Engr. Kehinde Akinola, is expected to position the Academy as a centre of excellence, equipped to produce highly skilled and globally competitive maritime professionals. Furthermore, Oyetola said the development aligns with the broader objective of ensuring that Nigeria not only participates, but leads in maritime innovation, safety, and sustainability.
While acknowledging the Standards Organisation of Nigeria for its unwavering dedication to the promotion of standardisation and quality assurance across all the sectors Oyetola
noted that the Marine and Blue Economy sector remains a key pillar in Nigeria’s economic diversification agenda. He emphasised the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening institutional capacity, enhancing human capital development, and promotion of international standards across all maritime training institutions.
Consequently, Oyetola urged the management of the Academy, not to regard the certification as an end in itself, but as a foundation upon which greater achievements will be built. According to him, “Sustaining these standards will require sustained effort, discipline, and firm commitment to continuous improvement. As we celebrate this achievement, let us remain mindful that quality, safety, and environmental stewardship are non-negotiable principles in the maritime sector”
Meanwhile, Dr Kevin Okonna, Acting Rector of the Academy at the presentation ceremony noted that at the present level of the Academy’s operations, the institution could no longer satisfy relevant international standards, its statutory mandates and its customers’ requirements without the certification of its Quality Standard System. Okonna while re-emphasising the core mandates of the Academy, which is to admit and train the various levels of personnel required for running and operating the ships of the merchant navy, stated that the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers 1978 (as amended) requires that such training processes must be continuously monitored through a quality standards system to ensure achievement of defined objectives.
It was therefore in recognition of the requirement and other customers’ needs, that the Academy established a Quality Assurance Department and engaged the SON for training and certification of many of its staff in Quality Management System (QMS) up to the lead auditors level (including the Acting Rector).
Determined to make a mark, Okonna ensured that the knowledge gained was used to establish a QMS for its operations and he was quick to obtain approvals and accreditations for its training programmes and courses. Before his assumption of office as Acting Rector, the established Quality Management System was never submitted for verification and certification.
No wonder, Oyetola stated that the Ministry will continue to support the academy’s initiatives that strengthen institutional standards and promote global competitiveness.