As Acting Rector Shines for Outstanding Leadership and Service Excellence

The Acting Rector receiving the “Acceptance Certificate” for the Academy’s simulators from the representative of Applied Research International (ARI)

The Acting Rector of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron, Dr. Kevin Okonna, has received an Award for Distinguished Leadership in Logistics and Transport from the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) Nigeria.

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

The award which was presented during the 2025 National Conference and Awards Ceremony of the Institute in Lagos recently, is in recognition of his outstanding contributions to maritime education, and capacity development in maritime education and training in Nigeria’s premier maritime education and training centre, the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron.

In her remarks, the President of CILT, Nigeria, Barr. (Mrs.) Mfon Usoro, highlighted the Institute’s strategic partnership with the Maritime Academy of Nigeria and commended Dr. Okonna for his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to repositioning the Maritime Academy of Nigeria as a centre of excellence in maritime education in Africa.

“Dr. Okonna has shown exceptional leadership and professionalism in ensuring the Academy continues to meet international standards. His passion and zeal for the development of the Academy is worthy of emulation,” Mrs. Usoro stated.

Responding to questions from the media after  the award, the Acting Rector expressed appreciation to CILT Nigeria for the honour, describing it as a call to continue striving for excellence in his service to the maritime industry and the nation in general.

“This recognition is deeply appreciated. It is a call to a higher responsibility. This award reflects the collective effort of the Management, Staff, Students and Cadets of the Academy, whose dedication continues to drive our progress”

“It means that what we do quietly is seen and valued. We’re ready to continue doing more for CILT, the industry and the country as a whole,” the acting Rector said

Dr. Kevin Okonna is a seasoned maritime academic and administrator, who has dedicated over thirty years to the service of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria.

As a lecturer, he rose through the ranks, before his appointment as the Acting Rector.

Image maker and spokesperson of the Academy, Domo Umoekpe told Maritime Nigeria that Dr. Okonna is firmly committed to the growth and transformation of the  Academy.

Domo hinted that within a ten month period under Dr. Kevin Okonna’s Leadership, the Academy has achieved quite significant milestones.

“His leadership has been marked by extensive reforms in firming up on training standards, infrastructure renewal, upgrading of teaching facilities, installation of transformers, restoration of public power supply to the Academy’s campus and environs, pursuance of ISO Certification for the Academy, development of Conditions and Scheme of Service, development of Courses on Port State Control, enhancement of staff and cadet welfare and many others” Domo said.

“His tenure has also strengthened collaboration with the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), Nautical Institute, UK, Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology, IMarEST, and other global maritime bodies” the MAN image maker informed.

“The CILT recognition underscores the Acting Rector’s enduring legacy of excellence while also reinforcing the Academy’s stance as Nigeria’s foremost maritime education and training institution” Domo declared.

The Academy’s delegation to the CILT event were members of CILT family at the Academy consisting of the Acting Director, School of Maritime Transport studies, Mrs Theresa Eyo; Senior Lecturers Mrs Nse Okon, Dr. Imoh Ekpo, Dr. Obot Idopise S., Dr. Ufia Friday M.; the Lagos Liaison Officer, Mrs Dorcas Titilola Imogore and the Academy’s Image Manager, Domo Umoekpe amongst others.