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‎By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
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‎The 2025 set of graduating cadets of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron, have received ministerial accolades even as they are being charged to carry on their shoulders the mandate to serve Nigeria and humanity through the noble calling of seafaring.
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‎Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, H. E. Adegboyega Oyetola gave the charge while speaking during the ceremonial Passing-Out-Parade (POP) in Oron, Akwa Ibom State.
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‎Speaking through his representative, Mr Babatunde Bombata, the Minister said: “Today marks a major milestone in your journey as young Nigerians committed to serving your nation and humanity through the noble calling of seafaring. This event represents discipline, perseverance and the beginning of a life dedicated to professionalism, patriotism and excellence. I warmly congratulate the Class of 2025 for this well-deserved achievement. You have successfully completed rigorous academic, technical and physical training, and today, you stand as worthy ambassadors of this great academy and our beloved nation.”
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‎He prayed that as they set sail into new horizons, the knowledge gained at MAN would serve as their compass. The world’s oceans await their skill, integrity and courage.
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‎He commended the Acting Rector, Governing Council, Management and Staff of the  Academy for their dedication and transformative leadership.
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‎”In a short period, the Academy has evolved into a world-class institution, distinguished by advancements in infrastructure, curriculum modernization, simulator-based training and adherence to international standards such as the STCW Convention”.
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‎”These accomplishments”, he added , “underscore the power of vision, teamwork and commitment to excellence. On behalf of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, I appreciate all who contributed to this progress. The Ministry’s mission aligns with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda which seeks to unlock opportunities in shipping, port development, fisheries, maritime transport, marine tourism and offshore resources management. At the heart of this vision lies human capital development — and the Academy plays a vital role in preparing the skilled professionals needed to secure Nigeria’s rightful place in the global maritime community and sustainable use of this resources”.
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‎Extolling the virtues of resilience and courage the graduating cadets acquired at the Academy, he reminded them that as they begin their career into the world, they must remember that they are ambassadors of both the Academy and Nigeria.
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‎”The maritime profession demands discipline, integrity and a strong sense of duty. Let the values instilled in you guide your path. Uphold ethical standards, demonstrate professionalism and let your conduct bring pride to our national flag”.
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‎Oyetola assured them that the  Federal Government remains committed to strengthening the Academy through continued investment in modern training facilities, expansion of international partnerships, promotion of cadetship and sea-time opportunities, and advancement of research and innovation in maritime education.
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‎”These initiatives aim to sustain MAN Oron’s reputation as a hub for world-class maritime training and leadership.”
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Engr Kehinde Olayinka Akinola, Governing Council Chairman, MAN

‎In his presentation at the colourful event, the Academy’s Governing Council Chairman, Engr Kehinde Olayinka Akinola joined the Minister to laud the outgoing cadets and to reflect on what he described as the present achievement and the journey that has brought the graduating cadets and MAN to this point.
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‎To the graduating cadets, he said: “Your hard work and determination have paid off, and you should be incredibly proud of yourselves. As you go forth, remember that the skills and knowledge you have acquired here are not just a means to a career, but a foundation for a lifetime of learning, growth, and service.As you embark on your maritime careers, I urge you to remain committed to the values of safety, sustainability, and social responsibility. ”
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‎”The maritime industry is a vital component of global trade and commerce, and it is your responsibility to ensure that it operates in a manner that is consistent with these values.”
‎By way of a parting word, he drew the graduating cadets’ attention to an evergreen statement of Nelson Mandela:
‎”The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.”
‎As you go forth, he admonished, remember that setbacks and challenges are an inevitable part of life. But it is how you respond to them that will define your character and determine your success. Let your mantra be ‘you never fail until you stop trying’.

Dr Kevin Okonna, Ag Rector, MAN

‎Engr Akinola expressed gratitude to the Acting Rector, Dr Kevin Okonna, the faculty and staff of MAN for tireless efforts in shaping the minds and characters of the cadets.
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‎” Your dedication, expertise, and passion for teaching have been instrumental in preparing our graduates for success. Your tenacity in creating opportunities for sea time training for our cadets is well appreciated.”
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Group picture with graduating cadets

‎He lauded the parents and guardians of the graduating cadets for showing unwavering support and encouragement.
‎”Your role in the lives of our cadets has been invaluable, and we are grateful for your partnership.”
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‎By  Izuchukwu Ozoemena
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‎Current efforts to convert the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron, to a conventional university has been  described as dangerous as it is capable of undermining Nigeria’s maritime development goals while erasing decades of international recognition built over the years by the Academy. Only a National Assembly review can change the institute’s mandate .
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‎ Chairman of the MAN Governing Council, Engr. Kehinde Olayinka Akinola raised strong objections on this development during a press conference. He said the Academy which was established in 1977 with technical support from the International Maritime Organization (IMO) was founded as a unique specialised institution for training shipboard officers, ratings, and maritime management personnel.  The Academy’s enabling law, now Cap M3 LFN 2010, he explained, empowers the institute to run advanced maritime programmes without limitation on the type or level of certificates awarded, a structure consistent with global maritime training standards.

‎Dr Kevin Okonna, Acting Rector, MAN, Oron.

‎Replacing the Academy with the proposed University of Maritime Studies being canvassed, he warned, would distort its specialised mandate, weaken the regimented cadet training system and threaten established international affiliations. For instance, IMO’s long-standing technical support and recognition of the Academy could be jeopardized by an administrative restructuring that strips MAN of its unique identity.
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‎A major concern, he noted, is that MAN would instantly lose access to the statutory 5% revenue allocation from the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), as the NIMASA Act recognizes only the Maritime Academy of Nigeria and not a conventional university under whatever name. This, he stressed, would create serious operational challenges for an institution that relies heavily on the funds to maintain its extensive training facilities and specialized staff infrastructure.
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‎Akinola attributed the push for conversion largely to agitations by youths from Oron Local Government, who he said have for years campaigned for the establishment of a university in the area. While acknowledging their right to demand development from government, he criticised the choice to pursue such aspirations by attempting to alter a national maritime institution serving the entire country. He argued that it was unjustifiable to prioritise the interest of a single local government over national strategic maritime needs.
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‎The Council Chairman condemned what he described as increasingly aggressive actions by the Oron Youth Movement (OYOM), including threats directed at the management and cadets of the Academy and smear campaigns aimed at halting the institution’s progress.  Suggesting that the activities may be politically driven, he warned that such hostility poses risks to the Academy’s stability and the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope agenda.
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‎Akinola reiterated that the current administration under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has positioned the Academy as a critical manpower engine house for the newly-created Marine and Blue Economy Ministry.  Since the inauguration of the Academy’s Governing Council in October 2024, he recalled, significant progress has been made. These include the development of a five- year strategic plan aligned with national blue economy goals and the approval of a Conditions of Service document for the Academy for the first time in 48 years. He added that a bill amending the UMSO Act to reaffirm MAN’s status and empower it to award degrees similar to the Nigerian Defence Academy and the Police Academy has already passed its first reading at the National Assembly.
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‎Engr Akinola also highlighted efforts by the Academy to support host communities, including facilitating the restoration of electricity to Oron after eight years and installing solar- powered streetlights as part of its corporate social responsibility.
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‎The Governing Council Chair pointed to similar specialised maritime academies across the world such as the United States Merchant Marine Academy in New York, the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport operated by the Arab League, and Kenya’s Bandari Maritime Academy, all of which award degrees while maintaining specialized maritime training structures.
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‎He said the Governing Council remains committed to protecting the Academy’s mandate and fulfilling the vision of the President. The Council, he insisted, “will not be intimidated or cowed by any group attempting to appropriate a national asset for narrow interests,”
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‎By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
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‎ Graduating cadets of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron, Akwa Ibom State, owe a responsibility to uphold the tenets and values of discipline, integrity and excellence the nautical school instilled in them throughout their period of rigorous but impactful training.

Ag Rector, Dr Okonna (in black blazers, middle) flanked by IMO Independent Evaluators and Graduating Cadets during the 2025 Cadets Passing-Out-Parade (POP).
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‎Acting Rector of the Academy, Dr Kevin Okonna gave the charge in Oron, Monday, while speaking during the 2025 Passing-Out-Parade.   As contained in a release by Domo Umoekpe, the Academy’s  Image Manager, the colourful event marked the culmination of years of rigorous academic and regimental training for the graduating cadets.

‎In his capacity as the 2025 Parade Review Officer of the annual event, Dr. Kevin Okonna enjoined the graduating cadets  to be worthy ambassadors of the Academy and the maritime industry in Nigeria and beyond.

Engr Greg Ogbeifun and Iroghama Ogbeifun (middle) with some graduating cadets.

‎He commended the graduating cadets for being dedicated, resilient and committed to excellence, noting that their perseverance had prepared them for the challenges and opportunities of the maritime world.
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‎The Acting Rector also appreciated members of Management, staff and the Nigerian Navy for the unwavering efforts to instill discipline and maintain high training standards in the Cadets.

Dr Okonna in a handshake with the NIMASA DG, Dr Dayo Mobereola

‎He reaffirmed the Academy’s commitment to continuously turn out competent seafarers capable of contributing meaningfully to both national and global maritime development.

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‎The 2025 graduating set, the  Acting Rector highlighted, is unique, being “the most fortunate cadets”, having had the rare privilege of meeting and interacting with the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), H.E. Arsenio Dominguez who visited Nigeria recently. Their Passing-Out-Parade, he added, was further honoured by the presence of IMO Consultants which, according to him, is “a testament to the Academy’s growing international recognition”.
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‎The ceremony featured a captivating display of military precision exhibitions, including quick-and-slow march pasts. Other special attractions included the recitation of outstanding cadets’ profiles showcasing their discipline, academic excellence, hobbies and leadership qualities.

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‎Many industry heavyweights graced the event. These included Dr Dayo Mobereola,  Director-General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Chief Adebayo Sarumi, former Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Engr Greg Ogbeifun, Chairman, Starzs Group and pioneer President, Ship Owners’ Association of Nigeria (SOAN). Others were Iro Ogbeifun, CEO, Starzs Investment Ltd, Mr Kingsley Igwe, Registrar/CEO, Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN), Capt Sunday Umoren, Secretary, Abuja Memorandum of Understanding on Ports State Control in West and Central Africa (Abuja MOU) and Emmanuel Maiguwa, Chairman, Alumni of Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron (AMANO).
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‎The event also drew the presence of the top echelon of the Academy’s  Management and staff, other invited dignitaries, families, and friends of the graduating cadets.
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