MAN, Oron Ag, Rector, Dr. Okonna highlights requirements for smart port, says Academy prepares students for smart future
MAN, Oron Ag, Rector, Dr. Okonna highlights requirements for smart port, says Academy prepares students for smart future
Segun Oladipupo
The Acting Rector, Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Dr. Kevin Okonna has said that a smart 0ort is more than digital infrastructure but that it requires seamless operations, reduced turnaround time, enhanced security, environmental responsibility
He added that more importantly, smart port required a workforce equipped with the right knowledge and skills to drive it.
He said this at the JournalNG Townhall Meeting themed Towards A Smart and Green Port on Friday in Lagos.
Represented at the event by Domo Omoekpe, Public Relations Officer of the Academy, the Rector in his goodwill message, hunted that the future of global trade is being shaped by technology, efficiency, and sustainability.
Text of his goodwill message, “Across the world, ports are evolving from traditional gateways into intelligent ecosystems powered by automation, data, and innovation. Nigeria cannot afford to be left behind, our ports must not only catch up, they must at the forefront.
“A smart port is more than digital infrastructure. It requires seamless operations, reduced turnaround time, enhanced security, environmental responsibility, and, most importantly, a workforce equipped with the right knowledge and skills to drive it.”
Speaking further, Dr. Okonna explained the efforts his administration is making at the academy preparing the students for the potential global smart system
He said,”At the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, we recognize that a competent workforce is the bedrock of every smart system.
“So we are committed to raising forward-thinking maritime professionals who are not only technically sound but digitally ready for this evolving landscape.
“The Academy offers courses relevant for port operations, port management and port security with emphasis on utilization of digital technologies to achieve smart operations. The Academy is also equipped with smart classrooms, state-of-the-art training facilities, including advanced simulators that provide hands-on experiences in very conducive digital learning spaces.
“I am also proud to note that the Academy has recently obtained an international certification from the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) for its Intergrated Management System (IMS) in line with the requirements of ISO 9001:2015 for Quality Management Systems (QMS) and ISO 21001:2025 for Educational Organizations Management System (EOMS).
“This milestone underscores our unwavering commitment to global best practices, quality assurance, and maritime education and training excellence – values that are significant to the smart port vision.
“As we chart this course together, let us be bold in our thinking, deliberate in our actions, and united in our purpose. The journey toward smart ports in Nigeria is not a distant dream, it is a present responsibility, that we are all be involved
“I commend the organisers for creating this important platform and urge all stakeholders to translate these conversations into concrete actions that will reposition Nigeria as a hub of maritime excellence,” he stated.
