Blue Economy: MAN, Oron boss, Dr. Okonna emphasises importance of skilled manpower for sector growth
Blue Economy: MAN, Oron boss, Dr. Okonna emphasises importance of skilled manpower for sector growth
Segun Oladipupo
The Acting Rector of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron, Dr. Kevin Okonna has emphasised the importance of skilled manpower for the growth and development of Nigeria’s maritime sector.
The Rector made the submission at the 2025 Association of Maritime Journalists of Nigeria, AMJON’s conference held in Lagos on Friday
He averred that even though the country’s blue economy is expanding, without skilled manpower, the tide would not be able to lift all ships
Represented at the event by the Academy’s Image Manager, Domo Umoekpe, the academy’s helmsman said that the institution was committed to delivering it’s core mandate
“Nigeria’s blue economy is expanding, but without skilled manpower, the tide won’t be able to lift all ships. The Maritime Academy of Nigeria is committed to delivering its core mandate.
“We’re not just training maritime professionals, we are charting Nigeria’s course to global relevance which is the focus of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.”
In his paper presentation titled Ensuring Efficient Manpower in Nigeria Maritime industry, Strategies and Options, he enumerated the strategies adopted by the citadel to maximise skilled manpower development.
The strategies include; Modern Maritime Training:. “We provide innovative maritime programmes that satisfy national and international standards and comply with statutory requirements.”
World-Class Training Facilities:
“We utilise up-to-date technology for training. We have simulators and other equipment for practical training; Industry Collaborations and Partnerships:”
Enabling Learning Environment:
Creating an environment where students’ success, development, and career opportunities thrive. Conducive hostels and medical facilities for cadets, students and staff
Capacity Building for other MTIs
The Academy provides leadership and training for other maritime training institutions, training instructors from other MTIs on IMO Model Course 6.09. The Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenkoko in Delta State from time to time brings its students to
the Academy for Mandatory Short Course Training.
Competent Instructors:
The Academy through the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy under the visionary leadership of the Honourable Minister, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola CON has been able to attract and retain industry experts as instructors.
“The quality of training that we offer has attracted foreign students to the Academy,” he stated.
The the of this year’s conference is “Maritime Development: Training, Ports Efficiency and Shipping Development.”
