ORON Akwa Ibom, Dec 17 (TheSun) – The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola has said that the federal government is actively working for a seamless transition of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron to a full-fledged university as the institution graduates 180 cadets.
Speaking during the 2024 cadets graduation ceremony at the weekend, Oyetola explained that the transition of the Academy to a Maritime University will take gradual process that will soon manifest.
Oyetola, who was represented by the Director of Maritime Safety and Security in the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Babatunde Bombata, explained that upgrading the Academy to a University will unlock opportunities within the marine and blue economy.
“The Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education and the Nigerian Universities Commission ( NUC), is actively working on the processes required for seamless transition of the Academy to a University status.
“While this transformation is underway, it is hoped that this upgrade will unlock new opportunities for advanced learning, cutting-edge research, and innovation within the marine and blue economy fields.”
He informed the graduatung cadets that the marine and blue economy sector is flooded with opportunities, adding that their contributions to the sector would be instrumental to shaping a brighter future for the nation.
“The government remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering excellence and innovation in these fields, and we eagerly anticipate the positive impacts you will make in your careers.”
He said that the federal government was working on developing a National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy and maintained that the policy would serve as a strategic framework to drive economic diversification, attract investments, create jobs and empower youths.
In his remarks, Akwa Ibom state governor, pastor Umo Eno, said the State Government will continue to collaborate with the institution to develop a blue economy.
Eno, represented by Commissioner for Internal Security and Waterways Gen. Koko Essien (rtd) urged the graduating cadets to make good use of their training in developing the maritime sector.
“I am hopeful that you will utilise the training you have acquired here to further your career as seafarers and in the progress of our blue economy,” Eno said.
Eno commended the leadership and management team of the Academy for excellent work in repositioning the academy to a world-class standard.
Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Acting Rector, Dr Okonna recalled that graduates of the institution have contributed immensely to the growth of the marine and blue economy.
“We have an opportunity to celebrate addition of well-trained personnel to the maritime and allied industries.
“We pride ourselves as the pioneer maritime training institution. We pride ourselves because of the contributions of this institution to the national development.
“That graduates of the institution have contributed immensely to the growth of the marine and blue economy.”
The Acting Rector charged the graduating cadets to recognise the resources that had been embedded in them and go out there and make a mark for themselves.
He disclosed that as a centre of excellence, the academy trained cadets from neighbouring countries.
Okonna, who later took the federal government delegation on facility tour around the institution, described the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron as a national asset that must be preserved for posterity.
“This Academy is our nation’s asset. We have enough facilities to train seafarers. Our cadets can compete with others anywhere in the world . Other institutions and corporate organizations partner with us,” he said.
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