Commodore Duja Emmanuel Effedua (rtd.), Rector, MAN

The Rector making clarifications to the minister at the Engine Room Simulator

The Rector, Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Commodore Duja Emmanuel Effedua (rtd) on the occasion of this Easter Celebration, has called on all Nigerians to rededicate themselves to nation building, tolerance and love for one another.

While congratulating Nigerians on the joy of Easter, the Rector said the season calls for sober reflection on the values we share.

In a brief telephone chat with Maritime Nigeria, the Rector said Nigeria is a great country with huge potentials for economic growth and development.

In his words “We at MAN rejoice with Nigerians, our Cadets, Parents and Guardians on  this Easter season. We urge everyone to take time to reflect on the values we share as a people rather than dwell on divisive matters. Easter is a season of love, peace and sharing. Nigeria is a blessed country and the citizens are great, very accommodating people.

On developments at the Academy, the Rector said, the Restructuring and Repositioning as directed by the Federal Government is on course.

“We are focused on our mandate to Reposition the Academy and reverse the ugly trend of the past which stagnated the Academy.

The Committee members in one of the Lecture theatres

In terms of training equipment, our modern Simulators are up and running. Our lecturers are on ground, our classroom are smart and internet ready.

Our hostels are among the best if not the best in the country and the entire campus has been made more attractive and conducive for learning.

“I am focused on restructuring the Academy and I will not be distracted by those who cannot see what has been done at the Academy so far. Where the Academy is today is far better than where it used to be and we appreciate the Ministry, the National Assembly, our sister agencies and groups/individuals who have stood by us on the journey thus far. It has not been easy but we are happy and encouraged by the modest achievements recorded”

The Rector was emphatic that the Academy is on an irreversible journey to global recognition as a world class Maritime training institution as foreign lecturers, master mariners and other renowned maritime experts are now on ground at the Academy for teaching and training purposes.

The Multi Functional Classroom Simulator

“I will not be distracted by anyone or group of persons who are disgruntled on account of the changes we have effected at the Academy. Things must change and as a change agent, I am concerned about the future of the young Nigerians who have come to the Academy to study. We must prepare and equip them for the future by providing the leadership, training facilities and the enabling environment needed for their concentration and assimilation”, the Rector said.

Recall that the Alumni of Maritime Academy of Nigeria (AMANO) recently commended the Academy’s efforts to enhance its profile and technical capacity with more stimulators and better remuneration for staff.

The Multi-Functional Classroom Simulator

In discussions with the AMANO team the Rector said the Academy has acquired three modern simulators-the Multifunctional Classroom Simulator, the Full Mission Bridge Simulator and Full Mission Engine room Simulator.

While receiving an award of excellence from AMANO, the Rector thanked the Alumni body for their continuous support for the institution and the entire Nigerian maritime sector.

Speaking further on the new simulator the Rector reiterated that MAN’s Simulators are the the latest technology in the world.

According to him the old generic simulator can only performed very limited functions.

“When we say multifunctional that is exactly what it is. The possibilities are endless”.

“Trust me when i say that we have the equipment, we have the instructors, but if anyone decides to go abroad it is a matter of choice”.

“Outside of this country the kind of training we offer goes for $2, 000 or more but here we will give the same training, same certification using same simulators for far less”.

“The Federal government wants to build capacity for Nigerians. It is not about profit-making, so we are going to crash the cost of training to enable as many Nigerians as possible, take advantage of these modern simulators that we have to develop the maritime and oil and Gas industries for the good of the country”.

“I tell you very authoritatively that going abroad for any kind of training with the launch of these simulators is a waste of time and resources, quote me anywhere”.

Swimming Pool of the Academy

“Why pay for flight, accommodation and pay training fees when you can get same training, using the same kind of equipment (if not better) right here at the Maritime Academy of Nigeria”?

Industry watchers and followers of developments at the Academy have continued to expressed support for the Effedua led management team at MAN.