Esther Oritse
Lagos — In a move to strengthen cadet training standards, the leadership of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron, Akwa Ibom State, has entered into partnerships with the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) and the Regional Maritime University (RMU) in Accra, Ghana, to enhance the global acceptance and competitiveness of its cadets.
Speaking at this year’s Convocation ceremony, the Acting Rector of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Dr. Kevin Okonna, said the institution’s long-term strategy to produce world-class cadets remains a central pillar of its mandate.
Dr. Okonna noted that the Academy has completed Stage One of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) quality audit and is pushing to fully align with all STCW Convention requirements.
He added that discussions with selected shipping firms for sea-time placements are at an advanced stage and will be announced soon.
According to him, “Over the past year, we have ensured operational steadiness in the face of several activities of detractors, strengthened governance, and ensured that core learning continues to flourish in line with the provisions of international standards.”
He stated that quality enhancement remains central to the Academy’s reforms, stating, “A cornerstone of our strategy has been an unyielding focus on quality assurance and the provision of world-class training and certification.”
Dr. Okonna further disclosed progress in the institution’s audit and certification processes, saying, “I am equally delighted to share that the Academy has completed Stage One of the
Standards Organization of Nigeria, SON, quality audit, and we are preparing diligently for Stage Two as we move towards certification of our standards in line with ISO 9001:2015 (Quality
Management System) and ISO 21001 (Education Organizational Management System, EOMS).”
