FG Commends Academy’s Growth and Excellence

 “The acquisition of the Integrated Management System (IMS) Certification is not merely procedural; it is a clear demonstration of commitment to excellence, quality assurance, environmental sustainability and occupational health and safety standards”–Minister

 

“The successful certification of the Academy to ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 21001:2025 standards is a strong indication of Management’s commitment to quality, operational efficiency, customer satisfaction, educational excellence, and continual improvement” – Director General, Standards Organization Nigeria, Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke

 

The Federal government has commended management of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria for the  continued growth and transformation taking place at the Academy.

Speaking during the presentation of iso 9001:2015 quality management system certificate and iso 21001:2025 educational organizations management system certificate to Academy,  the minister of the marine and blue economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola said  the certifications, facilitated by the Standards Organisation of Nigeria, underscores the Academy’s adherence to internationally recognized standards and best practices.

“It reflects a strong culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and operational efficiency-qualities that are indispensable in today’s highly competitive and safety-conscious maritime industry”

The minister noted that the Marine and Blue Economy sector remains a key pillar in Nigeria’s economic diversification agenda. As a Ministry, we are committed to strengthening institutional capacity, enhancing human capital development, and promoting the adoption of international standards across all maritime training institutions.

“The significance of this certification cannot be overstated. It positions the Academy as a centre of excellence, equipped to produce highly skilled and globally competitive maritime professionals. This aligns with our broader objective of ensuring that Nigeria not only participates, but leads in maritime innovation, safety, and sustainability” the minister declared.

 

The minister charged the Academy not to relent but work harder and achieve more saying “I urge you not to regard this certification as an end in itself, but as a foundation upon which greater achievements will be built. Sustaining these standards will require sustained effort, discipline and firm commitment to continuous improvement” Oyetola said

 

The Director General, Standards Organization Nigeria, Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke who could not hide his excitement thank management of the Academy for being consistent and resolute in repositioning the school for excellence.

His words   “I am particularly impressed by the Academy’s investments in modern infrastructure, including Full Mission Bridge Simulators, Engine Room Simulators. smart classrooms, survival pools, marine engineering workshops, virtual reality simulation systems, and other state-of-the-art training competency-based facilities maritime that support education. These investments clearly position the Academy as a leading maritime training institution not only in Nigeria but within the West and Central African sub-region”

“I must also commend the Academy’s strategic partnerships with reputable national and international organizations including the World Maritime University, Sweden; The Nautical Institute, United Kingdom; IMarEST; MOWCA; NIMASA; NSML; and other maritime institutions and stakeholders. These collaborations are essential in strengthening capacity building, research, innovation, and global competitiveness”

Members of the governing Council of the Academy, the acting Rector, Dr. Kevin Okonna and other management staff also expressed delight at the history making event.

According to the Rector, “The International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers 1978 (as amended) requires that such training processes must be continuously monitored through a quality standards system to ensure achievement of defined objectives”

The Academy, to upgrade and strengthen its Quality Assurance Department,  engaged the SON for training and certification of many of its staff in Quality Management System (QMS) up to the lead auditors level. (including the present Acting Rector). The knowledge gained was used to establish a QMS for its operations and obtained approvals and accreditations for its training programmes and courses”

” It therefore with great delight that the Academy receives the presentation of Integrated Management System (IMS) certificates on  ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 21001:2025 standards to the Academy by Standards Organization Nigeria   SON” Dr. Kevin Okonna said.