Communities Express Support for MAN Oron as Specialised Institution, Drop Agitation for University
L-R:Engr John Akinola, Chairman Governing Council of Maritime Academy of Nigeria with Senator Nelson Effiong, Traditional Ruler Elect of Eyo Usai Community in Oron Local Government at the commissioning of CSR projects by the academy in the host community
Leadership of the EyoAbasi Community in Oron Local Government of Akwa Ibom State, the immediate host community of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron has expressed their support for the sustenance of the specialised training status of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN) Oron, with a promise to discontinue agitation for it’s conversion into a conventional university.
This was a major fallout of the First Quarter 2026 Stakeholders Engagement moderated by Engr. Kehinde Akinola, Chairman Governing Council of the Academy.
Akinola who explained the implications of the conversion to include likely stoppage of funding from some statutory sources, withdrawal of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and Maritime Organisation of West and Central Africa (MOWCA), said such conversion will not enjoy the global traction MAN Oron has.
He recalled that the Academy was set up primarily to train seafarers and has consistently stayed focused on this mandate which contributes to the country’s presence on the whitelist of the IMO following Nigeria’s compliance with the Organisation’s Maritime Safety Committee and Standards of Training Certification and Watch keeping (STCW).
Citing the Nigeria Defence Academy (NDA) example, Engr Akinola said without altering the school’s nomenclature and deviating from it’s core mandate, the NDA has become a degree awarding institution running first degree, masters degree and doctorate degree courses.
This, according to him can be applicable to MAN, Oron where it’s present National Diploma and Higher National Diploma can be upgraded to full degree courses with prospects for postgraduate courses too.
Senator Nelson Effiong, a former federal lawmaker, now Clan Head-elect of Okpo in Oron Local Government Area, disclosed that he sponsored the bill in the Senate many years ago and now sees the dichotomy debates on MAN, Oron and University of Maritime Studies Oron(UMSO) as unnecessary.
According to him, the community is now properly informed on the matter and would continue supporting the Academy on it’s mission as a specialised maritime training institution while anticipating it’s upgrade to a degree awarding status.
While thanking the academy for creating a platform for interaction with stakeholders including the host community, Senator Effiong praised the Academy’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts of providing 6000 litres solar-powered borehole in Udung Okung Community, installation of 10kva solar power in the residence of the Paramount Ruler of Oron and constructing a market with 7 lockup shops and 19 open stalls for his community.
Also speaking at the event,Emmanuel Maiguwa, National President Alumni Association of Maritime Academy of Nigeria,Oron(AMANO) promised to open talks with the management on expanding cadets job placement and sea time opportunities.
Maiguwa describes the cadets as reason for the academy and called Oron his second local government because the school and environment have impacted in him and his career journey in life
Captain Tajudeen Alao, President, Nigeria Association of Master Mariners (NAMM)
commended the academy for making global impacts with alumni spread all over the world.
Captain Alao thanked the host community for their support while reiterating that MAN, Oron is a purpose built institution whose mandate should not be distorted.
According to him, the school can award degrees without deviating from it’s focus.
He described getting cadets on board vessels as the ultimate achievement by any governing council and management of the institution while urging them to keep up with the momentum.
Director General of Nigerian Chamber of Shipping, Mrs Vivian Chimezie-Azubuike
called for increased private sector investment in maritime capacity development to bridge gaps between policy making and implementation.
The Oron Local Government Chairman, represented by the Council Secretary, Engr. Asuquo Asuquo thanked the governing council and management for the stakeholders engagement and described Oron local Government Area as a safe place for everyone to work, live, learn and do business in.
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