Against the backdrop of growing conversations around Nigeria’s maritime potential and the urgent need for skilled manpower to harness the country’s blue economy, the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN) reaffirmed its strategic focus on building capacity and strengthening industry relevance during a presentation at the 2025 Annual Maritime Journalists’ Association of Nigeria (AMJON) Conference held at the Sheraton Hotels and Towers, Lagos.
Representing the Acting Rector, Dr. Kevin Okonna, was Mrs. Domo Omoekpe, Head of Public Relations at the Academy. With composure and conviction, Omoekpe addressed stakeholders, delivering a paper titled: “Maritime Academy of Nigeria: Ensuring Efficient Manpower in Nigeria’s Maritime Industry – Strategies and Options.”
The conference, themed “Maritime Development: Training, Ports Efficiency and Shipping Development,” brought together key voices in maritime training, regulation, and journalism. But for Omoekpe, the moment was more than an academic presentation — it was a reflection of the Academy’s deepening commitment to delivering value in a sector poised for transformation.
“The Acting Rector sends his best wishes. Up until last night, he had hoped to be here in person. But duty called,” Omoekpe said, pausing to connect with the audience. “Nevertheless, this platform offers us the opportunity to align our shared goals for the future of maritime development in Nigeria.”
From Oron to the World: Training for the Future
Founded in 1977, the Maritime Academy of Nigeria has remained the nation’s premier maritime education institution, responsible for training the personnel who power merchant vessels, manage ports, and operate across marine-related industries.
In his presentation, Omoekpe emphasized the Academy’s mandate to consistently supply high-quality, internationally competent professionals, in line with evolving global maritime standards.
“Our vision is to be internationally recognised as a centre of excellence,” he said. “Our training is not just about meeting regulatory requirements. It’s about shaping future leaders of the maritime industry.”
Strategic Pillars for Efficient Manpower Development
The Academy’s strategies were distilled into six pillars aimed at strengthening the institution’s output and relevance:
1. Modern Maritime Training
The Academy delivers up-to-date simulator-based courses aligned with the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) standards. All training programmes are accredited by NIMASA and the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).
Currently, 12 simulator-based courses are on offer, with more in development.
2. World-Class Training Facilities
The Academy boasts:
- Full Mission Bridge, Engine Room, Ocular Vision, and Classroom Simulators
- Four survival pools
- Free Fall Life Boat with launching davit
- Marine Exhibition Hall showcasing real ship parts
- Engineering labs fitted with ship engine components
- E-library and modern research centre
“Cadets don’t just learn theory,” Omoekpe noted. “They live the experience.”
3. Industry Collaborations and Partnerships
The Academy is actively building bridges with local and international bodies such as:
- Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST)
- The Nautical Institute (UK)
- Chartered Institute of Transport Administration of Nigeria (CIOTA)
These collaborations are central to sea-time placement and curriculum enrichment.
4. Conducive Learning Environment
The Academy has invested in cadet welfare, offering modern hostels, health services, and an enabling environment for learning and innovation.
5. Support for Other Maritime Training Institutions
The Academy provides leadership in instructor training and skills development for other MTIs. Notably, it regularly trains students from Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenkoko in key mandatory courses.
6. Competent Instructors
Omoekpe credited the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy under Honourable Minister Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, for enabling the Academy to attract and retain industry experts.
“Their presence has not only enhanced our capacity, but also attracted foreign students, proof that the Academy is becoming a regional hub,” he reflected.
Reflections on Nigeria’s Maritime Future
As he concluded, Omoekpe offered a sober yet hopeful reflection on the future:
“Nigeria’s blue economy is expanding, but without trained professionals, the tide will never lift all ships. The Academy is not just training seafarers — we are charting a course for national relevance and global competitiveness. That is our contribution to the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
He extended gratitude to the Honourable Minister, NIMASA, media partners, and maritime stakeholders for their unwavering support.
The 2025 AMJON Conference provided a platform for dialogue and collaboration among maritime journalists, regulators, training institutions, and industry players. The event spotlighted training, port efficiency, and shipping development as key levers for repositioning Nigeria’s maritime economy.
In a year when maritime transformation has become a national priority, the Maritime Academy’s presence at the event reinforced its leadership role in building Nigeria’s human capital for the seas.
@2025 The Ameh News: All Rights Reserved
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