Registers them with IMarEST, Activates swimming pool,

The Rector flanked by his team members at the Academy.

Even as over fifty Cadets of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, MAN, secure seatime on board local and international vessels, Rector of the Academy, Commodore Duja Effedua Emmanuel (rtd) has insisted that the modest achievements recorded so far at the Academy are a tip of the iceberg compared to future projections mapped out by management of the Academy to reposition and make the institution the envy of other nations in the foreseeable future.

Briefing newsmen on developments at the Academy, the Rector observed that though the Academy has been through difficult times in years past, previous Rectors, prior to his appointment worked very hard and did everything within their powers to develop and transform the school but personal ambitions, politicization and external interferences combined to stagnate the Academy.

According to the Rector, the present management is more interested in the future of the Academy than dissipating energy and scares resources dwelling in the past and trading blames.

“Our focus is not on what happened in the past but what needs to be done to actualize the objectives for which the Academy was established. We are working to ensure that our Cadets on graduation will stand shoulder to shoulder with their counterparts from anywhere in the world and confidently contest for professional positions on board modern vessels”

Apart from getting Cadets of MAN on Board vessels, one significant milestone recorded at the Academy is the construction of two training swimming pools within two years of Effedua’s appointment. It was very thrilling to see trainers and trainees swimming in both pools during a a facility tour of the Academy.

Registration of Cadets of the Academy with the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology, IMarEST, is another unprecedented development at the Academy which  the present management has heralded.

Speaking on the development, the Rector explained that as members of IMarEST, the Cadets receive international recognition/prestige which has eluded them for long.

“The value and quality added is extensive and we sure it will give them a lot of edge when they eventually graduate from this Academy. We are very concerned about the quality of Cadets that come out of this Academy”.

It was also a wonder to see the popular Nautical Block, which for decades stood desolate, abandoned and left to rot away now roofed, painted and ready for use.

The remodeled classrooms which have become lecture theatres fitted with digital teaching aids, the new hostels designed to house two Cadets per room in an environment devoid of noise and rancour made the serene MAN environment very conducive and attractive for academic pursuits.

If the new ICT Centre, qualified lecturers, increased patronage by International Oil Companies, IOCs-Mobil, Chevron and others which hitherto did such trainings outside the country are indicators to follow, it would be safe to say that the Academy under the present Rector is witnessing major turn-around.

Improved collaborations between the Academy and local/foreign partners which the Rector said shall be strengthened and fortified for future purposes are outcomes of deliberations and extensive consultations which management of MAN continues to engage in at home and abroad.

In the Rector’s words “We intend to expand and intensify our efforts to collaborate with other maritime academies/institutions around the world to enhance our trainings in all ramifications. We want to be on the same page with them at all times because the dynamics of the industry demand that you stay focused and alert to all developments always”.

Describing some recent sectional media attacks on the Academy as sponsored evil machinations/schemes by dark forces intent on ensuring that the Academy remain as it used to be, he warned such detractors to desist from falsehood the likes of which has landed journalists in jails within and outside the country.

“We welcome criticisms that are constructive and objective. In our engagements with our stakeholders we have heard a lot of criticisms, suggestions and ideas which have helped us in our restructuring efforts but when persons in the name of journalism publish jaundiced personal imaginations to mislead the public, such persons should be prepared for the worst because they cannot go unscathed when they go about tarnishing the image of others” the Rector stated.

He expressed dismay at why people prefer pulling down others to supporting them.

“Long ago Nigerian rails were working and citizens travelled round the country by rail but somehow, some persons killed the rails so that their personal businesses could grow. Anyone working at reviving the rails now cannot be a friend to those with vested interests in rails. In the same vein, it is very likely that some persons out there want the Academy crippled because of their selfish ambition. We are committed to the work given to us to do and we shall not be distracted by idlers”, the MAN team leader said.

Thanking his management staff and colleagues working with him at the Academy, the Rector emphasized that everybody at MAN has contributed and worked very hard to bring the Academy to where it is.

He stated that “I am just a face in the crowd. We are a team at MAN and I must say I am lucky to have very competent, dedicated, very intelligent men and women who continue to work day and night to reverse the history of the Academy. A lot has been done, a lot more needs to be done, all we ask for is support and cooperation by all Nigerians to make this Academy the envy of other Academies. We are on course and we shall not be distracted”