Considering the re-engineered Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN) Oron, Akwa Ibom, which now has super structures, global standard training facilities as well as qualified teachers, Olu Akinsoji, a marine engineer and a former administrator of the academy, proposes actions to sustain what has been built to serve the maritime industry manpower needs.
Akinsoji expressed his thoughts and gave the insight during the Class of 2020 Passing Out Parade, which held on Monday, December 21, 2020 in the Academy.
He writes that “This administration has had tremendous achievements deserving of recognition and further support from well-meaning Nigerians.”
The three pathways to our dreams are as follows:
- This achievement must be cherished and not allowed to diminish in the dynamic environment of global shipping activities. Therefore, mechanism for optimal utilization and upgrading the facilities (hard and software) should be clearly defined in the management systems.
- The Honourable Minister of Transportation may wish to extend his political will-power to establish an institutional framework for the linkage of the products of the Academy with the industry it is mandated to serve. He should outlaw waivers concerning human elements to support our companies operating in the EEZ of Nigeria. Foreigners should be encouraged to support our training institutions and export our well-trained indigenes to their countries. It is necessary that the Minister considers the human capacity analysis of all the maritime agencies under him, with a view to engaging formally trained and tested skilled personnel in the key (policy making and execution) functions of the agencies. Academy and other maritime institutions in Nigeria are in the position and if not, he should put them in the position to develop tailor-made courses to suit our national needs.
- Management with the political support of the Council should develop the strategy to improve human capacity of the maritime industry with well-trained and skilled personnel, the core objective of the Academy. In addition, engage notable local and foreign shipboard placement agencies for cadets and graduates of the Academy. The Council should play more active roles in the penetration of the industry to ensure SIWES and other hands-on experience of trainees.
By Olu Akinsoji, a Marine Engineer and Pioneer Alternate Permanent Representative of Nigeria to the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), London.
Akinsoji was one time Administrator /CEO Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron.
Former Director General, Government Inspector of Ships.
Chairman, Student Council, World Maritime University, Malmo Sweden- 1985.
District Surveyor and Examiner of Marine Engineers (Seafarers Certificate of Competency).
Member, Interim Management Committee (IMC) for the Maritime Academy of Nigeria.
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