As host community seeks stronger partnership with Academy

By Evelyn Usman & Godwin Oritse

ORON—In a decisive move that signals a major shift in Nigeria’s maritime education policy, stakeholders, host community leaders, and the Governing Council of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria MAN, Oron, Akwa Ibom State, yesterday reached a consensus that the institution will retain its specialised academy status rather than pursue conversion into a conventional university.

The consensus, which was reached during the Academy’s First Quarter 2026 Citizens and Stakeholders’ Engagement themed “Leveraging Community Partnership for Effective Implementation of the National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy,” held at its main auditorium in Oron, also considered the possibility of upgrading the institution to a degree-awarding academy while retaining its specialised identity.

Speaking at the event, Chairman of the MAN Governing Council, Engr. Kehinde Akinola, stated that conversion to a university would risk diluting the institution’s core strength in specialised maritime training.

He said: “Today, we have invited our esteemed stakeholders to discuss a crucial topic which I have captioned ‘The Potential Transformation of Our Institution.’ As we deliberate on our options, I would like to emphasise the value of preserving the unique identity and professional orientation of the Academy.
“Converting the Academy to a university would undoubtedly bring changes, but we must consider whether this shift would enhance or dilute our focus. Our strength lies in our specialised programmes, industry connections, global recognition, and hands-on training.

“The Maritime Academy of Nigeria has built a reputation for excellence and professionalism in maritime education and training over the years, and we must ensure that any changes align with our core mission and strategic development plans. The Academy must align with the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) 1978, as amended,an international standard set by the International Maritime Organisation.

“Graduates of the Academy are sought after by the industry because of this standard. At the 2025 graduation ceremony, about 80 cadets secured instant employment opportunities due to the confidence the industry has in our products,” he said.

The event also witnessed the commissioning of three Corporate Social Responsibility , CSR projects executed under the Academy’s 2025 appropriation. The projects included the construction of 6000 litres solar-powered borehole in Udung Okung Village, Construction of seven lock-up kiosks and 19 open stalls in EyoAbasi community market and installation of 10kva Solar Power in the Palace of Paramount Ruler of Oron.
Akinola explained that the projects were undertaken to strengthen the relationship between the Academy and the host community. He added that the institution had also facilitated the rehabilitation of power lines to improve electricity supply in Oron communities, in addition to solar street lights earlier installed along Academy Road.

Host community’s demands

In his address at the commissioning of the modern market, Chairman of the Maritime Academy Host Community Relations Committee, Dr. Okokon Eyo, commended the Academy for executing the CSR projects but formally appealed for a Memorandum of Understanding MoU between the host community and the institution.

He said: “This is not a mere formality, but a crucial step towards building a lasting and mutually beneficial relationship.

“Our community boasts capable hands with requisite qualifications to serve as lecturers and non-teaching staff,” Eyo said.

Other demands included welfare support for the Host Community Relations Committee, redemption of a bus promised during a previous administration, and representation in the management cadre.

Call for investment

Earlier in her goodwill message, Director-General of the Nigerian Chamber of Shipping, Vivian Chimezie-Azubuike, called for increased private sector investment within maritime communities.

She said: “We must move beyond seeing these areas as mere ‘host communities’ and start viewing them as ‘investment hubs.’ By injecting private capital into local infrastructure, cold chain technology, and sustainable aquaculture, we can create a self-sustaining ecosystem that supports the National Blue Economy agenda.”

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Also speaking, the Paramount Ruler of Oron, Offong Odiong Edet Akan, represented by Prince Akan, expressed gratitude to the Academy’s governing board and management for what he described as “a thoughtful commitment towards the development of our communities.”

The royal father particularly commended the solar power installation at his palace, describing it as a project that “upholds the dignity and functionality of the traditional institution.”

Corroborating his position, the Secretary of Oron Local Government Area, Engr. Asuquo Asuquo, lauded the Academy’s initiatives and CSR projects.

He said “We thank you for organising this engagement. It gives us the opportunity to contribute, assess the Academy’s activities, and see firsthand the good work being done. The CSR projects, in particular, have made a visible difference in our communities”.

He further highlighted the global recognition of the Academy’s cadets, noting that their success had brought honour to Oron Local Government.

“The cadets produced here are known all over the world, and their achievements have put Oron firmly on the map,” he added.

Assuring that Oron remains a safe and welcoming environment for the Academy’s operations, Engr. Asuquo stated: “As far as Oron is concerned, your safety is established. With this partnership, we will do all we can to support the Academy and ensure continued development for our people.” He expressed optimism that the engagement would yield even more positive impacts, just as previous interactions had.

In his welcome address, Acting Rector of the Academy, Dr. Kevin Okonna, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to leveraging community partnership for the effective implementation of the National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy.

Represented by the Director, Research and Strategic Development, Dr. John Adeyanju, he disclosed that a Memorandum of Agreement had been signed with NLNG Shipping and Marine Services Limited to provide onboard training opportunities for cadets.

“A total of 43 cadets have already been placed onboard NLNG ships for their mandatory one-year seatime experience between December 2025 and February 2026,” he said.

While attributing the institution’s growing success to the support of its host state and communities, he noted that peace and cooperation had remained critical to the Academy’s operations. He explained that the purpose of the quarterly meeting was to inform citizens and stakeholders of government policies, programmes, and projects, and to obtain their buy-in and partnership.

Describing the engagement as a key performance index for government institutions, he stressed that the Academy had continued to take the exercise seriously, noting that past engagements had yielded tangible results.

According to him: “From our engagements in 2025, particularly the one that focused on shipboard training opportunities for cadets, we witnessed remarkable progress. About 80 out of 221 graduating cadets secured either automatic employment or seatime training opportunities during the November 2025 graduation ceremony.”