By Sylva OBASI
The Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron, has placed over 50 of its cadets onboard internationally trading ships for their mandatory one-year sea-time, with 43 of them currently sailing on ultra-modern vessels belonging to NLNG Shipping and Marine Services Ltd (NSML).
The Acting Rector of the Academy, Dr. Kevin Okonna, disclosed this on Thursday, October 29, 2026, in his welcome address at the 2026 Cadets’ Graduation Ceremony in Oron, Akwa Ibom State.
Dr. Okonna, who welcomed dignitaries including the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, represented by the Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Anthony Luke; the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, represented by Permanent Secretary, Hajia Fatima Sugra Tabi’a Mahmood; NIMASA DG represented by Capt. Adebayo Omotosho; NPERA DG, Dr. Pius Akutah; NSML MD, Mr. Abdulkadir K. Ahmed; and the Secretary General of Abuja MoU, Capt. Sunday Umoren, among others, said the placement was made possible through strategic partnerships.
He listed partners to include NSML, Shipowners Association of Nigeria, Starzs Investments Ltd, Sea Transport Nigeria Ltd, Arion Nigeria Ltd and the Alumni of Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron (AMANO).
According to him, reports from the vessels on the cadets’ performance have been “impressive and between very good and excellent, both professionally and in character.”
The Acting Rector also announced that the Academy has concluded arrangements with NSML for sponsorship of another set of cadets for sea-time experience on NLNG ships in 2026.
Highlighting institutional milestones in 2026, Dr. Okonna revealed that the Academy secured international certifications — ISO 9001:2015 for Quality Management System and ISO 21001:2025 for Educational Organizations Management System (EOMS) — from the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON).
He further disclosed that with support from NIMASA, the Academy won a competitive Expression of Interest (EOI) to partner with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and World Maritime University (WMU) as the focal institution for the Future Ready Shipping (FRS) in Africa Project for green and digital shipping in sub-Saharan Africa.
He noted that all cadets of the Academy are now registered with global professional bodies including The Nautical Institute, UK, Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST), Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) and Chartered Institute of Transport Administration (CIOTA).
“The Nautical Institute, United Kingdom, Prize for the Best Graduating Cadet in Nautical Science in 2026 will be presented to the winner today,” he added.
On staff and administrative reforms, Dr. Okonna said the Academy has implemented the newly approved Conditions of Service and Organizational Structure with attendant welfare benefits and is launching its transition from manual, paper-based workflow to an Enterprise Content Management System (ECMS) in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the Academy’s Performance Bond for Ministerial Deliverables (2026).
Charging the graduands who are receiving National Diploma and Higher National Diploma certificates, the Acting Rector said:
“Throughout your time at this Academy, we have provided you with conducive learning environment, qualitative education and training that accords with up-to-date technology and equipped you with physical and mental toughness, and core moral values. You have been tested by early morning drills, regimental parade and demanding practical exercises. You did not just survive; you excelled.”
*”Do not ever misrepresent this Academy. Keep our flag flying high and chart an honourable course for your lives. Remember that a true mariner and maritime professional is defined not just by their technical competence, but by their absolute integrity and character. Go out there, command the oceans, and make us proud.”*
The 2026 graduation ceremony, he noted, underscores the Academy’s unwavering commitment to training maritime professionals in line with the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978 as amended.
