“Anyone Negotiating to Exchange Gold For Aluminium Needs Help” 

The Chairman,  Governing Council of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, MAN, Engr. Kehinde Olayinka Akinola FNICE, FCIOD, has cautioned those agitating for the conversion of the Academy into a University to desist from such futile pursuit because such puerile effort could be a clog in the wheel of progress just as it amounts to exchanging Gold for Aluminum.

Decrying the unfortunate, misplaced, myopic, selfish agitation by some people, the Chairman , described the move as very unfortunate, retrogressive and embarrassing to Nigeria as a Maritime nation just as Maritime experts and professionals are shocked and continue to wonder on what the motive and ominously laden calls for the establishment of another Maritime University portends for Nigeria.

Speaking with select media executives on the sidelines of the 2025 Passing Out Parade, POP, of the Academy, Engr. Akionola, visibly miffed and unhappy with the development said the agitation is as unfortunate as it is miserably pitiable.

“The establishment Act of the Academy provides for the Academy to provide courses of instruction and training, in marine technology, applied research in maritime technology, and other relevant fields of applied maritime sciences without indicating any limitation in the level of the certificates to be awarded for the courses of instruction” the Council Chairman said.

With the benefit of hindsight and elderly clairvoyance, Engr. Akionola, who is not distracted by the vain odoriferous agitation said, “The establishment of the University of Maritime Studies, Oron under the Federal Ministry of Education will cause the Maritime Academy of Nigeria to lose its specialized character and genuine link to the human capacity development needs of the maritime sector in Nigeria”

“The specialized institution status of the Academy has been built over the years and is very strongly connected to relevant international organizations with recognitions and accreditations by several  institutions, including the International Maritime Organization (IMO) which provided assistance for the establishment of the Academy and has sustained  support to the institution through technical advisory missions and inputs  date”

Calling for unity, peace and more development across Nigeria under the Renewed Hope Agenda, the MAN Council Chairman said “In recent times, the Oron youth Movement (OYOM) has become very aggressive and has issued several threats to both the management of the
Academy and students; engaging in the campaign of calumny in their bid to truncate the progress of the Academy and the Renewed Hope agenda of Mr President in Akwa Ibom State”

The Governing Council wishes to reiterate its commitment to
performing its duties and responsibilities as envisioned by Mr. President and we will not be intimated or cowed by any group or persons who are possibly of the opposition party, struggling to covet a national asset”

Reiterating that professional institutions such as MAN, exist all over the world with particular reference to the Philippines where it’s Seafarers remit over $1.5billion annually, Engr. Akinola highlighted efforts of the Academy in ensuring development of the entire Oron Community.

“The Governing Council has set to work and developed a 5-year strategic
development plan that align closely with the blueprint of the marine and blue
economy and the Renewed Hope agenda of Mr. President, Asiwaju Bola
Tinubu who appointed the governing council”

“As part of our CSR to the community we have
facilitated the re-connection of electricity by PHDC to Oron community after 8 years of disconnection from EKET as we embark on provision of street lighting to the community”

Flanked by the MAN Council members, Engr. Akinola said it is very disappointing for anyone to work at derailing the progress being made at the Academy as foreigners (visitors and lecturers) rush to the Academy to assist in its transformation as the Academy now enjoys global recognition, acceptance and support.

Engr. Akinola therefore appealed to all stakeholders to close ranks, desist from divisive politics, come together, work together and take the Academy to greater heights.