Even as the recent  induction of 30 Cadets  of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, MAN, Oron, for sea time on board vessels  managed and operated by the NLNG Shipping and Marine Services Ltd, NSML, continues to attract  comments and ovation from maritime stakeholders and operators, Chairman of the Governing Council of the Academy, Engr. Kehinde Akinola, has called on  the Organised Private Sector, OPS, to emulate the NSML example by giving Nigerian Cadets sea time in their organizations.

Engr. Akinola who was represented by Honorable Faisal Lawal (a member of the Council), lauded the NSML team for their vision and commitment to Maritime capacity development in Nigeria.

Dr. Kevin Okonna, Acting Rector, MAN, delivering his speech at the induction ceremony

Speaking at the Induction ceremony held at the Presidential Hotel Port Harcourt, Engr. Akinola said “I wish to express our profound appreciation to NSML for their steadfast commitment to maritime capacity development in Nigeria. This partnership is a clear demonstration of corporate patriotism and strategic investment in the future of our nation’s blue economy”

The Council Chairman further noted that the event was both historic and very symbolic as it marks a new chapter in Cadetship and training in Nigeria.

Representative of the Honourable Minister, Director, Information & PR, Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Anastasia Ogbonna (m front row), flanked by the Acting Rector, Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, Dr. Kevin Okonna (r,), Managing Director, NLNG Shipping and Marine Services Limited (NSML), Abdulkadir Ahmed (l), and Members of Academy’s Management with first batch of thirty (30) cadets from Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron, inducted by NLNG Shipping and Marine Services Limited (NSML) for their mandatory one-year sea-time experience.

His words “Today marks  the beginning of a voyage across oceans; it marks the transition from theory to practice, from classroom instruction to Professional competence  and from aspiration to actualisation”

“Long-sea training is the defining phase in the life of every maritime professional. It is where knowledge is tested by waves, discipline is measured by routine and character is refined by responsibility. This opportunity represents not merely a curriculum requirement, but a gateway to global maritime relevance”

Engr. Akinola, on behalf of Council members expressed profound appreciation to NSML for their steadfast commitment to maritime capacity development in Nigeria.

“This partnership is a clear demonstration of corporate patriotism and strategic investment in the future of our nation’s blue economy” Akinola said.

Charging and admonishing the Cadets to be good Ambassadors, the Chairman Governing Council was very direct:

“To our cadets; you are ambassadors of this academy and of our great nation, Nigeria. As you board these vessels, you carry with you the reputation of your families, the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, and the aspirations of a maritime nation determined to take its rightful place in global shipping”

“You will be tested by weather, by watchkeeping schedules, by fatigue, and by the high standards of international maritime operations. Embrace these challenges. Let them build your competence, sharpen your judgment, and strengthen your discipline”

“Remember always: Safety is non-negotiable, Professionalism is mandatory, Integrity is priceless and Teamwork is essential. The International Maritime Organization standards are clear, and we must produce officers and engineers who can compete anywhere in the world”

Going forward, Engr. Akinola called on the private sector to support government by partnering with MAN and other agencies on efforts by the Federal government to develop the country. He assured partners and stakeholders of the Academy that the Governing Council remains fully committed to strengthening institutional reforms, upgrading infrastructure, and deepening strategic partnerships that will position the Maritime Academy of Nigeria as a centre of excellence in maritime education in the world.

In a chat with Maritime Nigeria on the sidelines of the landmark induction ceremony, Hon Faisal Lawal who was visibly elated shared his thoughts on what the induction signals for Nigeria.

“This induction is the sign of greater things to come in the history of the Academy. Like the Council Chairman said, we are working very closely with the management team on how to strengthen the Academy and reposition it as a formidable Maritime Training Institution, MTI, in the world”

When asked if MAN has gone beyond the continent of Africa, Hon Lawal said

“We have surpassed Africa. We are not competing with any Academy in African  because they do not have the training equipment that we have at the Academy”

“Do you know how many countries have reached out to the Academy seeking collaboration and partnership to improve their training and capacity development programs”?

“Nigerian maritime professionals are realizing the potentials and capabilities of the Academy in quality training for the  country and we thank them for embracing the Academy more than ever before, so just be patient, so much shall come up very soon at the Academy that will gladden all Nigerians” Hon Faisal Lawal declared.