Oyetola inaugurates governing board for Maritime Academy
By Babatunde Aremu
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has inaugurated the governing board of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron.
The minister also revealed that the academic curriculum of the institution has been upgraded to align with international maritime standards.
Oyetola, who stated this while inaugurating members of the governing board in Abuja said the specialised training offered by the institution would expose graduates of the institution to jobs globally.
He said:
“The vision of MAN, Oron is to equip our teaming youth with specialized maritime education and practical skills, preparing them for jobs in shipping, marine engineering, port operations, and logistics by offering industry-aligned training and internationally recognized certifications.
“As you are aware, the Academy has made significant strides in recent years, establishing itself as a premier institution for maritime education in Africa by investing heavily in infrastructural development, including modern classrooms, hostels, and advanced simulators for ship handling and engine room operations, providing cadets with practical, real-world training.”
The minister further said that the objective of the academy remains the development of top and middle-class skilled manpower for the maritime sector.
He said: “We want the certificate from the academy to be globally recognised so that whoever is trained there could get jobs anywhere in the world. We would ensure that that is done, given the fact that we have a board now.
“The Academy must continue to provide specialized, practical training in areas like marine engineering and nautical sciences, which are essential for filling technical and operational roles.”
The minister charged members of the board to be dedicated and aligned with the ongoing reforms in the industry.
“As you assume your roles, I urge you to align yourselves with the ongoing reforms in the Marine and Blue Economy sector, under the Renewed Hope Agenda of this administration.
The Maritime sector is critical to our national development, and the success of our broader economic policies depends heavily on our ability to provide the required manpower.
“The Maritime Academy of Nigeria is central to this effort. To achieve this, there must be a strong and seamless synergy between the governing board and the academy’s management.”
He added that collaboration and mutual respect between both entities will ensure that the Academy functions efficiently and effectively.
The chairman of the Board, Engr. Kehinde Akinola said he and other members of the board would collaborate with the ministry to propel the academy to greater heights.
He said:
“Together, we will foster excellence in maritime education, research, and innovation. I pledge to support the tireless efforts of the academy’s staff and students in shaping the future of Nigeria’s maritime industry.”