MAN affirms commitment to training middle-level manpower in seafaring, administration

Acting Rector of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN) Oron, Dr Kevin Okonna, has stated that the academy is statutorily equipped to meet Nigeria’s needs for middle-level manpower in seafaring and administration. The academy follows the standards and guidelines of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).

Okonna noted that the criticality of MAN to the realisation of the nation’s emerging marine and blue economy is a focal point. It serves as a guiding compass for management. He emphasized that this mandate is significant. It is non-negotiable.

The acting rector spoke in Lagos on Friday during a presentation at the Association of Maritime Journalists of Nigeria (AMJON) Conference. The theme was: “Maritime Development: Training, Ports Efficiency and Shipping Imperatives”.

He said the Academy has achieved regional recognition for its leading maritime training role. The Academy has also attracted global attention for its quality delivery. Cadets from the Academy excel in various areas of specialization in the global seafaring map.

Dr Okonna, who was represented by Domo Umoekpe, Head, MAN’s Public Relations, also highlighted efforts by the academy at delivering various specialised training to maritime professionals. The academy also supports and offers training to students of regional and sister maritime training institutions.

In a blow-by-blown segmentation, Okonna provided the historical and immediate milestones the over 40-year institution has achieved.

Umoekpe explained that the vision of the academy is built on maritime education and training, adding that the academy is committed to consistently providing the merchant navy, the maritime industry, and allied industries with high-quality education. She added that the training accords with up-to-date technology to meet meet national and international standards.

With three major faculties including the School of Engineering, School of Maritime Transport Studies and School of Nautical Studies, MAN runs both National Diploma and Higher National Diploma programmes. The academy also has a Specialised Seafarers Training Centre including Management Courses are available. It also offers Professional Short Courses that lead to a Certificate of Competency. These are awarded under the STCW 78 (as amended) for personnel of the maritime industry and allied industries.

According to Umoekpe, “Human capacity is the bedrock of maritime development. Our quality policy statement is designed to ensure a steady supply of competent maritime professionals. They are globally competitive for Nigeria and beyond.

“All our courses are accredited by notable bodies. These include the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE). Our curriculum is developed and reviewed to align with the standards of the International Maritime Organisation, IMO. We offer 12 simulator-based courses that are fully accredited.

“We utilise up-to-date technology for training. We have simulators and other equipment for practical training. We have a Marine Exhibition Hall where various ship parts are on display for cadets and students, especially first-timers,” adding:

“Our Simulators comply with the International Convention on Standards of Training. This includes Certification & Watchkeeping for Seafarers 1978 as amended. We have four Simulators. They are the Multi-functional Classroom Simulator, the Full Mission Bridge Simulator, Full Mission Engine Room, and the Ocular Vision Simulators.”

Continuing, she said, “We have four Survival Pools and a Free Fall Life Boat with a launching Davit. These were recently installed at the Academy Jetty open to the waterfront front. The installation consists of two survival capsules. These are usually launched during training. Our modern Libraries contain rare books and journals. They offer in-depth exposure to Cadets and trainees who come to the academy.”

The academy is focusing on industry collaborations and partnerships. This ensures that cadets are well versed in current seafaring trends. She said the academy is actively pursuing quality improvement.

It is building partnerships for sea-time placement. This is done through industry collaboration with professional bodies like the Institute of Marine Engineering and Technology, IMarEST.

They also collaborate with the Nautical Institute, United Kingdom as well as the Chartered Institute of Transport and Administration of Nigeria, CIOTA. They also engage with many other notable global organizations.

Speaking on standard enabling learning environment, she said the academy has smart classrooms. It also has training tools and amenities. These features make learning encouraging and interesting.

“We have created an environment where students’ success, development, and career opportunities thrive. Conducive hostels and medical facilities for cadets, students and staff are available at the Academy.

“The Academy provides leadership and training for other Maritime Training Institutions. We train instructors from other MTIs on IMO Model Course 6.09. The Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenkoko in Delta State, from time to time, brings its students to the Academy for Mandatory Short Course Training.”

MAN, she says, prides itself on qualified teaching staff and competent instructors for practical sessions. “The academy, through the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, benefits from the visionary leadership of the Honourable Minister, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola, CON. It has been able to attract and retain industry experts as instructors. The quality of training that we offer has attracted foreign students to the Academy.

“Nigeria’s blue economy is expanding, but without skilled manpower, the tide won’t be able to lift all ships. The Maritime Academy of Nigeria is committed to delivering its core mandate.

“We are not just training maritime professionals. We are charting Nigeria’s course to global relevance. This is the focus of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.”