We’ve Gone International, Foreign Students Now Come to Oron – Effedua, Rector Maritime Academy
For the first time in its 47 years of existence, foreign students are now coming to the Maritime Academy of Nigeria(MAN) due to its state of the art simulators and other improved training capabilities
The Academy’s Rector, Commodore Duja Effedua, made this announcement during the World Maritime Day 2024 celebration, emphasizing the significance of this milestone for the institution.
Speaking on the theme of this year’s World Maritime Day, “Navigating the Future Safely,” Commodore Effedua highlighted the Academy’s focus on modernizing its curriculum and ensuring cadets are well-equipped to tackle the challenges of the evolving maritime industry.
“We are navigating the future of the maritime industry at the academy,” Effedua stated. “We are recalibrating because times have changed. Like the local saying goes, when the beat of the drum changes, the dancers’ steps must change as well.”
Effedua expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Transportation, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), and other stakeholders for their continuous support in transforming the Academy. Since taking over in 2017, he has overseen a comprehensive overhaul of the institution. “In 2017, during World Maritime Week, I had nothing to say. We met a failed institution. But today, I can boast that we have one of the best academies in the world.”
The Rector extended an open invitation to visit the Academy and see the progress for themselves. “For those who are not familiar with us, please come. We will provide you with security, all the logistics, and take you on a fascinating tour. Our classrooms are smart, and our equipment is among the best.”
Effedua also shared a personal anecdote about his visit to prestigious maritime institutions in the UK. “I went to Stratford University, about 600 years old, and Glasgow Polytechnic, around 400 years old. While they have great simulators, I was surprised to find that we have even better ones. We have the latest simulators that can be remotely upgraded.”
The announcement of international students at MAN Oron underscores the Academy’s growing reputation on the global stage. “I’m happy to announce that for the first time in 47 years, we now have international students at the Academy,” Effedua said. “Additionally, we have increased our staff strength, with lecturers from allied nations who have applied through the IMO to teach here because they see the great things we are doing.”
Commodore Effedua called on the maritime industry to continue supporting the institution. “It’s a national institution, a school we should all be proud of. When countries apply for Category C membership at the IMO, they often cite their maritime academies and the number of international cadets they have trained. We now have that to be proud of.”
He concluded his remarks with a heartfelt appeal: “All I need to do is keep urging everyone here to support the institution. It’s our own academy. God bless you all.”
