By Abbas Nazil
The Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron, Akwa Ibom, may soon be upgraded to a university.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola,
dropped the hint during the graduation ceremony for cadets of the academy in Oron on Saturday, December 14.
Represented by the Director of Maritime Safety and Security, Babatunde Bombata, Oyetola the minister emphasized that the upgrade is part of a broader effort to harness the potential of the marine and blue economy sectors.
He disclosed that the Federal Government is collaborating with the Ministry of Education and the Nigerian Universities Commission to facilitate a smooth transition for the academy to the university status.
Oyetola expressed confidence that turning the academy into a university would enable advanced learning, innovative research, and development within the maritime industry, thereby unlocking untapped economic opportunities.
Addressing the graduating cadets, the minister encouraged them to be forward-thinking, resourceful, and innovative in their careers.
He pointed out that the maritime and blue economy sectors are brimming with prospects, and their contributions will be instrumental in shaping a brighter future for the industry.
According to him, the Federal Government is committed to fostering innovation and excellence, with the expectation that the cadets will make significant impacts in their respective fields.
The state governor, Umo Eno, commended the Acting Rector of the academy, Dr. Kevin Okonna, and his management team for their dedication to repositioning the institution for greater achievements.
Dr. Okonna, in his remarks, highlighted the institution’s contributions to Nigeria’s maritime and blue economy. He praised the graduating cadets as a new generation of well-trained professionals ready to serve the maritime and allied industries.
Okonna reiterated that the Maritime Academy of Nigeria prides itself on being a pioneer maritime training institution with a legacy of driving national development.
Encouraging the cadets to apply their knowledge effectively, Okonna urged them to make meaningful contributions to the growth of the maritime sector.
He added that the institution’s graduates have historically played significant roles in advancing Nigeria’s marine and blue economy