By Sylva OBASI
The Federal Government says the success of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron, will no longer be measured by the number of cadets graduating, but by how many transition into professional certification, onboard employment and productive maritime careers.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, stated this on Thursday, October 29, 2026, at the Academy’s 2026 Cadets’ Graduation Ceremony and Official Launch of its Enterprise Content Management System (ECMS) in Oron, Akwa Ibom State.
The Minister, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Hajia Fatima Sugra Tabi’a Mahmood, said maritime education must translate into real opportunities.
“For the Federal Government, the ultimate objective of maritime education is not simply to produce graduates, but to develop competent professionals who can find meaningful employment, compete internationally and contribute to the growth of our marine and blue economy,” Oyetola declared.
Sea-Time Breakthrough:
The Minister expressed delight over progress in addressing sea-time training — the biggest hurdle for Nigerian cadets — revealing that 43 cadets of the Academy are currently onboard NLNG vessels through partnership with NLNG Shipping and Marine Services Ltd (NSML).
He added that another batch from the 2026 graduating set is expected to benefit from the arrangement later this year and early next year.
“I commend NSML for this important contribution. I equally appreciate the Shipowners Association of Nigeria, Starzs Investment Limited, Sea Transport Services Nigeria Limited, Arion Energy Services Limited and other industry partners who continue to provide onboard training opportunities,” he said.
He called on more indigenous shipowners to provide berths, stressing that “providing sea-time opportunities is not merely a contribution to the Academy; it is an investment in the future of Nigeria’s shipping industry.”
On Standards and Reforms:
Oyetola congratulated the Academy on developing STCW-compliant curricula and securing ISO 9001:2015 (Quality Management) and ISO 21001:2025 (Educational Organizations Management) certifications, saying it boosts international confidence in Nigeria’s ambition to become a leading supplier of competent seafarers.
He reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to the marine and blue economy sector under the Renewed Hope Agenda, citing Nigeria’s first National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy as a strategic framework for unlocking jobs and skilled manpower.
To The Cadets:
Charging the graduands, the Minister said: “Wherever your careers take you, whether onboard Nigerian vessels or international fleets, remember that you represent not only yourselves and this Academy but also the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
“I urge you to remain committed to lifelong learning, embrace emerging maritime technologies and uphold the highest standards of professional conduct. Let your competence open doors, your discipline sustain your careers and your integrity distinguish you.”
ECMS Launch:
The ceremony also witnessed the formal launch of the Academy’s Enterprise Content Management System (ECMS), which Oyetola said aligns with Federal Government’s digital transformation reforms for efficiency, transparency and accountability.
“I commend the Governing Council, Management and staff of the Academy for embracing this reform and encourage them to ensure the effective utilisation and sustainability of the system,” he said, formally declaring the ECMS launched.
The 2026 graduation ceremony saw award of National Diploma and Higher National Diploma certificates to cadets, with dignitaries including Governor Umo Eno, NIMASA DG, NPERA DG, Abuja MoU Secretary General, and top industry stakeholders in attendance.
