Reps Commend Ag-Rector Okonna for Cadets’ Job Placement, Improved Training Standards at MAN Oron
… Pledges More Support for Academy
The House of Representatives Committee on Maritime Safety, Education and Administration has commended the Acting Rector of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron, Dr. Kevin Okonna for his efforts at achieving job placement for graduating cadets, expanding opportunities for sea time experience and improving on the training standards of the academy.
The Deputy Chairman of the committee, Hon Uduak Odudoh, who led the committee on an oversight visit to the academy, said the acting rector has consolidated the achievements of his predecessor and built on them in the last one year.
Odudoh specifically described the instant employment of 80 graduating cadets at the 2025 graduation ceremony as a great development that can ignite hope for parents and future students of the academy.
Odudoh also highlighted the increasing number of cadets graduating and those currently undergoing sea time training on vessels as a key achievements that are laudable.
According to the lawmakers, the availability of sea time opportunities has historically been a major challenge for maritime students, and the academy is now addressing this issue to assure parents and prospective cadets of better career pathways.
Odudoh emphasised that accountability, more than budget approvals, remains the committee’s top priority. He commended the acting rector for demonstrating transparency and accountability by presenting detailed records and evidence of proper fund utilisation.
Speaking to reporters shortly after a tour of the academy’s facilities, the Deputy Chairman said “Today, as members of the House Committee on Maritime Safety Education and Administration, we came on an oversight visit. Upon our arrival at the conference hall, the Rector took time to brief us on the judicious utilisation of the 2025 budget approved by the National Assembly, providing us with detailed facts and pictorial evidence.
“Following the briefing, we proceeded on a facility tour and conducted spot assessments of the school’s infrastructure and operations. From our interactions with the Rector and the management team, we are pleased with what we have seen so far. As a committee, we are satisfied with the level of progress recorded.
“We are particularly satisfied with the improvements in infrastructure, as well as the institution’s growing international partnerships with professional bodies and organisations. It is evident that the Rector has consolidated on the achievements of his predecessor and has further improved on them.
“One of the highlights for us was the number of cadets who have graduated and those currently serving onboard vessels. For every parent who brings a child to this institution, the ultimate concern is what happens after graduation. In the past, this has been a major challenge, but from what we have heard and seen, the Rector has made significant strides in addressing this issue.
“Although I was not present during the passing out parade, many of my colleagues were in attendance, including the Chairman of the House Committee on Marine Transport and the Director General of NIMASA . The feedback from them has also been very positive.
“Overall, considering that the Acting Rector has only spent one year in office, we are impressed with the progress made so far. We also discussed some of the challenges he may be facing and areas where the National Assembly could provide support where necessary.
“The message we are taking back is clear: we are satisfied with his performance. We encourage him to sustain the momentum and urge members of the management team and staff to continue supporting him so that the institution can move from its current level to even greater heights.
“It is usually those who have something to hide that become uncomfortable when the National Assembly conducts oversight visits. Our responsibility is to ask questions, identify areas that require improvement, and ensure that public resources are properly utilised. In fact, before coming here today, we already had access to the relevant documents and reports submitted to us.
“From the briefing we received and from what we have seen on ground during this visit, we are satisfied with the progress made so far. Going forward, the committee will continue to support the institution and will not hesitate to grant the necessary approvals when due, provided that the same level of accountability and performance is maintained” he said
Other members of the committee on the tour who commended Okonna were Hon.Ambaiowei Rodney Ebikebina, Hon. Paul Ekpo, Hon. Olufemi Ogunbanwo and Hon. Mark Esset
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