The Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, Akwa Ibom, has continued to improve its training capacity, drawing from new strategic partnerships.
The latest of such new partnerships is the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Shipping and Marine Services Limited (NSML), with which the Academy is soon to seal an onboard ship training agreement.
Acting Rector of the Academy, Dr Kevin Okonna, disclosed this on Thursday in his welcome address as part of the recognition ceremony for the 2025 cadet graduation programme that held in the institution.
“I am happy to inform you that the Academy is working very hard to strengthen our partnership and we are very close to having a contract with the NLNG Shipping and Marine Services Limited (NSML) for the provision of onboard ship training for cadets of the Academy as well as many other services that will lead to greater international opportunities for the cadets in the Academy,” Dr Okonna said.
While expressing confidence about the support from the Shipowners Association of Nigeria (SOAN), Okonna also disclosed the Academy’s progress with efforts to collaborate with the Regional Maritime University (RMU), Ghana, in other broad areas of interest for improved seafarer training.
His words: “I am also happy to inform you that the Academy is at an advanced stage of establishing a robust partnership with the Regional Maritime University (RMU), Ghana, for collaboration in a broad area of common interest for the development of MET & extend to certification in collaboration with our Administrations.
“The Vice Chancellor of the RMU and my dear brother, Dr Jethro W. Brooks, and a team of four Management Staff of the RMU are here to tour the Academy’s facilities and system, with a view to enhancing the discussions on the draft MOU which we already have before us.”
The Ag. Rector expressed delight at the Academy’s completion of Stage One of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) quality and preparations for Stage Two, as they move toward certification of standards in line with ISO 9001:2015 (Quality Management System) and ISO 21001:2025 (Educational Organizational Management System (EOMS)).
Earlier, on Monday, the 10th, and Tuesday, the 11th of November 2025, the Academy hosted a team of Independent Evaluators from the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in the Academy for Independent Evaluation of Nigeria’s compliance with the Provisions of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping (STCW)for Seafarers, 1978 (as amended). Discussions have commenced for working with the Nautical Institute and the IMarEST for accreditation of the Academy’s specialized courses, according to the Ag. Rector.
At present, the Academy has a Memorandum of Agreement with the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) Nigeria for student and associate member categories, and further capacity building for cadets in the School of Maritime Transport Studies (SMTS). It also has an MOU with the Abuja MoU on Port State Control in West and Central Africa, for the provision of PSCOs course in the Academy. The Course has been approved by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), and the instructors have been provided with further training abroad, making it possible for the Academy to commence the training.
The high point of the ceremony was the award of certificates of excellence to deserving graduating cadets in various specialized disciplines. The gathering also witnessed employment offers to the best graduating cadets in Nautical Studies, Marine Engineering, and Maritime Transport Studies.
Sponsors of the job offers included Sea Transport Services Nigeria Ltd., Arion Energy Service Ltd., Starzs Investment Ltd., the Alumni of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron (AMANO), and the Ship Owners Association of Nigeria (SOAN). The Nautical Institute of the UK had a prize for the overall best graduating cadet in Nautical Studies.
The Ag. Rector charged the graduating cadets to significantly contribute their part in promoting the nation’s maritime industry as they navigate their career paths, saying, “Use your knowledge not only to advance your careers but also to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s maritime industry and the global shipping community,” the Ag. Rector said. “Continue to learn, adapt, and excel, for the ocean rewards only those who combine skill with character.”
Present at the event, among others, were the Chairman, Senate Committee on Marine Transport, Senator Wasiu-Sanni Eshilokun, the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Maritime Safety, Education and Administration, Hon. Khadija Ibrahim, represented by Hon. Baraje Yusuf Kure and Hon. Paul Ekpo.
The industry professionals present were Chief Adebayo Sarumi, a former Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority; Egnr. Greg Ogbeifu, the Chairman of Starzs Marine; Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola; President of the Ship Owners Association of Nigeria, Mr. Sonny Eja; President of the Nigerian Association of Master Mariners, Captain Tajudeen Alao; Captain Adewale Ishola; Captain Sunday Umoren, Secretary-General of the Abuja MoU; President of the Association of Marine Engineers and Surveyors, Engr. Israel Obadan; Engr. Hakeem Oderinde; AMANO President, Mr. Emmanuel Meiguwa, and other representatives of AMANO.
