By Victor Essang
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has lauded the Acting Rector of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron, Dr. Kevin Okonna, for what he described as remarkable infrastructural renewal and transformative reforms that have repositioned the institution in recent years.
Speaking through the Director of Information and Public Relations of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Mrs. Anastasia Ogbonna, at the induction ceremony of 30 cadets for onboard seafaring training, the Minister commended Dr. Okonna’s visionary leadership and his strategic collaboration with NLNG Shipping and Marine Services Limited (NSML).
He noted that the partnership has elevated the Academy from a conventional training institution into a springboard for global maritime careers.
Dr. Oyetola observed that the Academy’s renewed drive to secure sea-time opportunities for Nigerian cadets is already yielding tangible results, strengthening indigenous maritime capacity and positioning Nigeria as a reliable supplier of globally competitive seafarers.
According to him, the initiative will also support economic diversification by promoting trade, eco-tourism, and safe inland and coastal water transportation.
He urged other shipowners to emulate NSML’s commitment by creating more sea-time placements for cadets and charged the newly inducted trainees to serve as worthy ambassadors of the Academy in order to inspire continued industry support.
In his remarks, Acting Rector Dr. Kevin Okonna expressed delight at the milestone, describing the induction as another significant step in the Academy’s steady progress.
He disclosed that the 30 cadets join 13 others earlier inducted for onboard training by NSML on December 19, 2025, bringing renewed hope to aspiring Nigerian seafarers.
Dr. Okonna emphasized that the MAN-NSML partnership demonstrates Nigeria’s capacity and commitment to contributing quality manpower to the global maritime industry.
He encouraged the cadets to uphold the discipline, competence, and integrity instilled in them, describing the opportunity as “rare and priceless.”
“The Academy, NSML, Nigeria, the IMO and the global shipping industry look forward to your successful certification as seafaring officers to help address the global shortage of qualified seafarers,” he said.
The Rector also appreciated the Minister for aligning the Academy’s vision with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that under Dr. Oyetola’s guidance, a National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy was developed and approved by the Federal Executive Council within two years.
Also speaking, the Managing Director of NSML, Mr. Abdulkadir Ahmed, described the induction as evidence of MAN Oron’s growing excellence under Dr. Okonna’s leadership.
He affirmed that NSML, as a leading maritime services provider, remains committed to developing world-class seafaring professionals through strategic investments in human capital.
Ahmed noted that the partnership between NSML and MAN Oron reflects a shared vision to strengthen local capacity and advance Nigeria’s maritime industry. He urged the cadets to remain focused, uphold high ethical standards, and make the most of the opportunity.
Responding on behalf of the inductees, Cadet Iwoeye Boluwatife Kamil expressed gratitude to the Academy and NSML for the life-changing opportunity, pledging that the cadets would remain committed, disciplined, and determined to justify the confidence reposed in them.
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