The Acting Rector, Maritime Academy of Nigeria, MAN, Dr. Kevin Okonna, has reiterated that the Academy is well positioned, equipped and ready to deliver on its statutory mandate especially in the core area of MAritime Education and Training, MET, to meet and ensure that Maritime Competencies in the industry meet international standards as mandated by the International Maritime Organization, IMO.

Speaking at the Association of Maritime Journalists of Nigeria, AMJON, Conference under the theme Maritime Development: Training, Ports Efficiency and Shipping Imperatives, Dr. Okonna, represented by Domo Umoekpe, Head Public Relations and mouthpiece of the Academy, efforts by the Academy towards attaining greater heights in delivering specialized training to maritime professionals and aspiring Cadets was concisely highlighted.

Historically, the Maritime Academy of Nigeria as Nigeria’s premier maritime institution, was established in 1977 and charged with the responsibility of training all levels of personnel required to operate and manage ships of the merchant navy, ports, and other marine-related industries.

Step by step and for clarity purpose, the Academy spoke on its plans and strategies on manpower development:

Vision

To be internationally recognised as a centre of excellence in Maritime Education and Training.

Quality Policy Statement

The Maritime Academy of Nigeria is committed to consistently providing the merchant navy, the maritime industry and allied industries with high-quality education and training that accords with up-to-date technology, meets national and international standards and satisfies or exceeds customers’ expectations.

Schools

The Academy has three Schools, where programmes are offered at both National Diploma and Higher National Diploma levels:  School of Engineering, School of Maritime Transport Studies and  School of Nautical Studies.

Additionally, the Academy also have a Specialized Seafarers Training Centre, where Management Courses as well as Professional Short Courses in Certificate of Competency, in accordance with the STCW 78 (as amended) for personnel of the maritime industry and allied industries are on offer.

“Human capacity is the bedrock of maritime development, our quality policy statement is tailored towards ensuring a steady supply of competent, globally competitive maritime professionals for Nigeria and beyond” Dr. Okonna said

The Acting Rector listed how the Academy is relentlessly  ensuring the development of efficient human capacity for Nigeria’s Maritime Industry and sub region:

Modern Maritime Training

We provide innovative maritime programmes that satisfy national and international standards and comply with statutory requirements.

All our courses have the accreditation of notable bodies like 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.

World-Class Training Facilities

“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”

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

The Academy sweat merchant listed other facilities  utilised for practical training to include Engineering laboratories and workshops; well equipped with ship engine parts,  other marine tools and appliances.

“We have four Survival Pools and  a Free Fall Life Boat with a launching Davit recently installed with a Jetty open to the waterfront front consisting of two survival capsules which are usually launched during training. Our modern Libraries with rare books and journals for Cadets and trainees offer in depth exposure to all those who come to the Academy” he  said.

Industry Collaborations and Partnerships

To ensure our Cadets are well vested with current trends in the industry, we are actively pursuing quality improvement and partnerships for sea-time placement through industry collaboration with professional bodies like the Institute of Marine Engineering and Technology, IMarEST, the Nautical Institute,  UK and Chartered Institute of Transport and Administration of Nigeria, CIOTA and many other notable global organizations.

Enabling Learning Environment

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

Capacity Building for other MTIs

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.

Competent Instructors

The Academy through the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy under the visionary leadership of the Honourable Minister,  His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, 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’re not just training maritime professionals, we are charting Nigeria’s course to global relevance which is the focus of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu” Dr. Okonna emphasized.

The Ag Rector thanked the Honourable Minister,  His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola CON,  the NIMASA, other industry stakeholders and the Media for their support and unflinching contributions to the development of the Academy even as he solicited for more collaborations and partnerships in the quest for an efficient, competitive maritime industry for Nigeria.