The Acting Rector of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron, Dr Kevin Okonna, has invited maritime industry stakeholders to the institution’s 2026 cadets’ graduation ceremony scheduled for October 29, while highlighting improvements in seafarer training, international partnerships and institutional capacity.
Okonna made the announcement in his goodwill message to mark the 2026 World Maritime Day, themed “From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence.”
He said the Academy has recorded significant progress in the last two years through investments in maritime education and training, international collaborations, modern training facilities and quality management systems.
According to him, the achievements align with the Federal Government’s efforts to implement the National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy, which provides a framework for harnessing Nigeria’s maritime resources while promoting safer, cleaner and more resilient shipping.
He explained that the policy implementation process encompasses International Maritime Organization (IMO) conventions and other global maritime frameworks designed to maximise the benefits of Nigeria’s shipping and blue economy resources.
At the Academy, Okonna said, capacity building and training remains central to translating these policies into practical outcomes, stressing that competent and professionally trained seafarers are essential to achieving maritime excellence.
Highlighting the Academy’s progress, he disclosed that MAN had established sustainable agreements with NLNG Shipping and Marine Services Limited (NSML) and the Ship Owners Association of Nigeria (SOAN) to enable its cadets to undertake mandatory sea-time training under the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) Convention.
He said more than 50 cadets are currently undertaking training aboard NLNG and other internationally trading vessels, providing them with the practical experience required for professional development.
The Acting Rector also announced that the Academy has attained Integrated Management System (IMS) certification in line with ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management Systems and ISO 21001:2025 Educational Organisations Management Systems requirements.
He said the certifications reflect the institution’s commitment to improving the quality of its educational services and strengthening its operational standards.
On institutional efficiency, Okonna said the Academy has introduced an Enterprise Content Management System to improve the processing of files and memoranda, correspondence and other administrative activities, promoting transparency and operational efficiency.
He added that MAN has strengthened its international professional partnerships through collaborations with the Nautical Institute, United Kingdom; the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST), United Kingdom; and the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT), Nigeria.
According to him, the partnerships support cadets’ career development, with all cadets registered with at least one international professional body.
Okonna further disclosed that the Academy has received recognition from the Abuja Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control for West and Central Africa for its contributions to training and capacity development for Port State Control Officers within and beyond the region.
He said the institution has also strengthened its training infrastructure with modern simulators and improved faculty facilities while investing in a more conducive learning environment through solar electricity as an alternative power source.
He also said the Maritime Organisation for West and Central Africa (MOWCA) has selected the Academy to host the region’s first exchange visit involving major national maritime education and training institutions, an initiative he described as successfully executed.
In another development, Okonna said cadets now have access to automatic employment or sponsorship for mandatory sea-time training during their graduation ceremony, strengthening the transition from classroom instruction to practical maritime experience.
He attributed the progress recorded by the institution to the strategic leadership of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, expressing appreciation for his support for the Academy and the development of Nigeria’s maritime sector.
He urged stakeholders to sustain efforts towards translating maritime policies into measurable outcomes, noting that investment in training, professional development and institutional capacity remained essential to achieving maritime excellence.
The October 29 graduation ceremony is expected to provide an opportunity for stakeholders to recognise the achievements of the graduating cadets and the Academy’s contribution to developing Nigeria’s maritime workforce.
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