As Additional Simulators, Foreign Lecturers, Master Mariners Boost Academy Training Capabilities

Within a ten months period the at the helm of affairs as Acting Rector of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, MAN, Dr. Kevin Okonna has not only embraced but  he has also keyed into the Renewed Hope Agenda/Change Vision of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led government.

Here we outline some of the many developments at the Academy under  Dr. Kevin Okonna with the ten months period of his leadership

Dr. Okonna speaking during the signing of strategic partnership agreements recently at the Academy recently

From all indications and if views expressed by industry stakeholders are indicators to go by, Okonna has  redefined the trajectory of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron as he has stabilizes, transform the institution into a regional power house of maritime education and training in the  West and Central Africa region even as he and his management team strive for global excellence in Maritime Education and Training, MET.

Dr. Kevin Okonna

As a maritime professional, Lecturer and Trainer with clear vision, and very intensional on excellence, Dr. Okonna is galvanizing the Academy on the path of renewed vision and global acceptability in the following areas:

Restoration of Public Power Supply:

After 8 years of disconnection from the national grid,  Dr’ Okonna has purchased 3 brand new transformers and collaborated with the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution (PHED) company to intervene on the Eket-Oron power supply line to reconnect public power to the Academy after eight years of dependence on generators and Solar Panels, the campus now enjoys stable electricity, improving both academic and residential life.

Additional Simulators

In response to industry enquiries, procurement process for another two simulators in the Academy is ongoing. also,  in line with the IMO Model Course 6.09 as required by the STCW Convention and training of students from other MTIs in the specialized courses available in the Academy;  an operational free-fall lifeboat, with launching davit, for training in the Academy; has been installed by the Dr. Okonna led management  just he  refurbished and emplaced an old survival capsule as part of the facilities at the Marine Exhibition Hall.

Port State Control

In response to the request from the Abuja MoU on Port State Control for West and Central Africa, the Academy has completed the development and approval of Port State Control (PSC) Officers course by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA); the MOU for the partnership between the Academy and Abuja MoU on PSC, as approved by the Honourable Minister of 9 Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, has been signed today 16th September 2025 during the Stakeholders’ Engagement and the Academy is ready to commence the training of PSCOs in the region.

Expanded, Improved Training

While the Academy trained a total of 4595 participants in short courses in 2024, the institution received and trained a total of 3217 participants as at August 2025 in the 48 mandatory short courses and Certificates of Competency preparatory classes, including 12 simulator-based courses, on offer in the institution;

Dr. Kevin Okonna

Hostel Rehabilitation and Solarization:

Cadet hostels were refurbished with modern amenities and solar backup systems, ensuring uninterrupted study conditions.

Smart Classrooms and ICT Expansion:

Lecture halls now feature interactive boards, projectors, air-conditioning, and desktop computers, complemented by an automated library and 48-station ICT resource centre. These upgrades have created a conducive learning environment and boosted morale among cadets and staff.

Faculty Enhancement: Building a World-Class Academic Team

Strengthening The Falculties

The recruitment of Seven Senior Marine Professionals in addition to foreign Master Mariners and Chief Engineers with global sea experience.

ISO Certification Training:

So far, 75 staff have been trained in ISO 9001:2025 and ISO 21001:2025 standards, with 14 certified auditors now on board.

This strategic investment ensures that cadets are mentored by seasoned professionals and that the Academy aligns with international quality benchmarks.

Simulator Revolution: Immersive, Hands-On Training

MAN, Oron now boasts one of Africa’s most advanced simulator suites:

Multi-Functional Classroom (MFC) Simulator: Integrates eight simulators, including Navigation, ECDISS, GMDSS, Engine Room, and Dynamic Positioning systems.

Survival Pool Complex: Features HUET simulators and free-fall lifeboats for realistic emergency drills.

These facilities allow cadets to master real-world maritime scenarios before stepping aboard actual vessels.

 Industry Collaboration: Bridging Classroom and Sea

Dr. Okonna has aggressively pursued partnerships to solve the critical “Sea Time” bottleneck. This includes stakeholder engagements where commitments are been secured from shipowners for onboard training of cadets.

Professional Body Registrations: As part of the latest drive, cadets now registered with IMarEST, CILT Nigeria, and the Institute of Nautical Studies, thus enhancing their global employability.

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Recognition and Cadet Success: Industry Validation

The Academy’s rising profile is reflected in the accolades and opportunities its graduates receive.

Award-Winning Cadets: Recipients of the Senator Eshilokun Wasiu-Sanni Prize, Nautical Institute Prize, Mfon Usoro Award, and more remains as part of the essential growth trajectory.

Employment Offers and Sea Time Berths: Top firms like Arion Energy Services Ltd now actively recruit MAN, Oron graduates. It is instructive to note that Okonna’s leadership is producing professionals the maritime industry is eager to absorb.

Strategic Vision: Planning for Sustainable Growth

Looking ahead, Dr. Okonna has laid out a robust 5-Year Strategic Development Plan targeted to reposition the Academy for excellence.

This includes Expansion of Simulator Inventory, Broader Course Offerings, and Waiver for Permanent Academic Staffing.

These initiatives aim to institutionalize excellence and secure MAN’s place as a continental leader in maritime education.

National Alignment: Supporting the Blue Economy Agenda

Dr. Okonna’s reforms align with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the strategic vision of the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, HE Adegboyega Oyetola, CON. His administration is a model of how educational leadership can drive national development goals as the Governing Council, of the Academy led by Engr. Kehinde Akinola, takes strategic decisions to ensure continual improvement in training standards and facilities, infrastructural development, employment of more lecturers/instructors, capacity building of the staff and provision of staff welfare

A Professional Committed Rector 

Dr. Kevin Okonna’s tenure at MAN Oron is unarguably a master class in visionary leadership. From infrastructure to faculty, from simulators to stakeholder engagement, his administration has delivered results that resonate far beyond the Academy’s waterfront campus.

Under Dr. Okonna,  is  re-shaping and re-aligning the future of maritime training for his Cadets and the entire maritime/oil and gas sectors for optimum performance.  With his equally vibrant and dedicated team consisting of  the Registrar,  Mr.  Peter Netson, and the Director, Research and Strategic Development, Dr. John Adeyanju and other  directors who ensure that management’s decisions are  implemented efficiently across departments and units of the Academy