In a colourful ceremony held in Port Harcourt recently, the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron has successfully placed 30 of its Cadets onboard NLNG Shipping and Marine Services Limited (NSML) Vessels for their compulsory Sea-time Experience. The Minister of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, HE Adegboyega Oyetola lauded the initiative saying that it has given maritime education and training in Nigeria a significant face lift. Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola was represented by the Director, Information and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Anastasia Ogbonna. She said, "This initiative has not only strengthened the indigenous maritime capacity but has also supplied globally competitive seafarers to the sector." "It will also help to diversify the economy by promoting trade, eco-tourism and safe water travels", she added. While urging other ship owners to emulate what NSML has done to provide more sea time opportunities for more Nigerian Cadets, the Minister charged the newly inducted cadets to be good ambassadors of the Academy in order to encourage their sponsors to do more. Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Governing Council of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Engr. Kehinde Akinola, described the commencement of the long-sea training programme as a redefining trajectory in the nation’s maritime education and capacity development. He emphasized that the initiative represented more than an academic routine, noting that it signals a transformative shift from theory to practice, and from aspiration to actualization for the Academy's Cadets. “This programme is a redefining trajectory for our maritime sector. It bridges the gap between classroom instruction and professional competence, ensuring that our cadets emerge not just as graduates, but as globally competitive officers and engineers,” he said. The Chairman represented by a Council Member, Hon. Faisal Lawal Halidu also commended NLNG for its steadfast commitment to maritime capacity building, describing the company’s provision of berths for sea-time training as a demonstration of corporate patriotism and strategic investment in Nigeria’s blue economy. While reaffirming his Council’s commitment to reforms, infrastructure upgrades, and partnerships that will position the Academy as a centre of excellence in maritime education and training in Africa, he charged the inductees to embrace the challenges of sea-time training, and reminded them that safety, professionalism, integrity, and teamwork are non-negotiable values in the global maritime industry. “Our Cadets are ambassadors of this Academy and Nigeria. As they sail across oceans, they carry the aspirations of a maritime nation determined to take its rightful place in global shipping,” he said. On his part, the elated Acting Rector of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Dr. Kevin Okonna, during his address thanked NSML, and hinted that the partnership has ensured the realisation of the dreams of another set of 30 Seafaring Cadets from the Academy in addition to the 13 cadets inducted for onboard training by the NSML, earlier on the 19th of December, 2025. Dr. Okonna noted that through MAN, Oron/NSML partnership, Nigeria is assuring the global Maritime industry of her capacity and commitment to make it's contributions of supplying quality seafarers to the industry a reality. While also urging the inductees to display the positive virtues and qualities that the Academy has inculcated in them, the Acting Rector informed the Cadets of the desire and prayer of the global shipping industry of their certification as seafarers to enable them contribute their quota to the reduction of the global shortage in the supply of seafarers. He further called on the Cadets to place premium value on what he described as "rare and expensive opportunity" set before them for posterity. "The Academy, the NSML, Nigeria, the IMO and the global shipping industry need you to be successfully certified as seafaring officers and contribute to the reduction of the global shortage in the supply of seafaring officers," he added. The Acting Rector further praised the Honorable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola CON, for the opportunity to key into the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration, which has given hope to seafaring cadets of the Academy. He maintained that it was through the Minister's ingenuity that a National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy was developed, and approval obtained from the Federal Executive Council within two years of his administration. He also hinted that the induction of the 30 Cadets was the direct outcome of the Honourable Minister's policy direction of promoting partnership between maritime institutions and industry stakeholders for onboard training of Nigerian Seafaring Cadets. Also speaking, the MD of NSML, Mr. Abdulkadir Ahmed, said the induction of the Academy’s seafaring cadets was a strong indication and a testament to the unwavering dedication, excellence, and capacity exemplified in Dr. Okonna's led MAN, Oron. According to Mr. Ahmed, NSML being a leading provider of maritime and shipping services across the globe, has developed a reputation and competence in manpower supply of seafaring officers for global competitiveness. Ahmed further described the partnership with MAN, Oron as two strong institutions that share a common philosophy of which the future of Maritime sector depends on. While also commending the leadership of MAN, Oron for showing capacity and preparedness, he reiterated that the partnership has also reflected the progressive thinking patterns of both organisations to invest in human capital development to strengthen local capacity and contribute meaningfully to the development of Nigeria's Maritime industry. He reaffirmed NSML's commitment and resolve to continue to develop world class maritime professionals, and encouraged the newly inductees to remain focused, uphold the highest ethics of their professional standards and embrace the rare opportunity given to them with seriousness. In a soul-stirring keynote address, a proud alumnus of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron and immediate past Chief Executive Officer of Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas, NLNG, Captain Hamberlain Yusuf, paid glowing tributes to the Acting Rector, Dr. Kevin Okonna, describing him as “meticulous, uncompromising, and deeply disciplined.” He recalled a defining moment from the years past, and shared a remarkable story that uncovered the Acting Rector’s unwavering commitment to the development of the Academy back then. He said, “Years ago, when the allure of lucrative corporate salaries beckoned, Okonna had already secured an appointment with the Nigeria LNG. Yet, in one decisive moment that stunned many, he declined the offer and said something I have never forgotten: ‘The Academy needs me more.’ While others pursued the comfort of corporate careers, Kevin chose the dusty classrooms and leaking roofs, because he believed in what the Academy could become.” Reflecting on the Academy’s transformation, Captain Yusuf said “Today, as I reflect on the remarkable transformation I witnessed during my last visit to the Academy and what we are seeing today, I now understand why he chose to stay." Turning to the Cadets, the maritime veteran delivered a powerful charge, reminding them of the significance of the journey ahead. “You are the pioneers - the chosen ones. This is not a field trip; it is a six-month, year-long intervention that will shape your future. As you leave this shore for the vast blue waters, remember that you carry with you the prayers of a nation, the pride of your Academy, and the unwavering belief of your Rector.” “Go forth. Learn the ways of the sea. Master your craft. Return to us as officers - competent, confident, and ready to lead. Return as the generation that restored Nigerian seafaring to its rightful place in the global maritime community. May the winds be fair, may your voyages be safe, and may you always find your way home,” he concluded. Responding on behalf of the inductees, Cadets Owoeye Boluwatife Kamil and Lawrence Chisom Anita thanked the leadership of MAN, Oron and NSML for the opportunity and promised to remain committed with renewed hope and sense of purpose and commitment to diligently bring to bear the values and good qualities they imbibed during their stay in the Academy. "We would love to say a heartfelt thanks to the Acting Rector of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, Dr. Kevin Okonna, whose leadership and unwavering efforts have brought us to this day. Sir, your dedication shows that you do not only care about the quality knowledge we receive within the four walls of the institution, but also about securing our future, what life should be after schooling and ensuring that our careers grow progressively." "Your commitment, persistence and belief in us have made this day possible. Thank you for your relentless efforts in ensuring that we secure our sea time with the reputable NSML organization and for making this invaluable cadetship experience a reality." "We would not forget to also thank the Management and staff of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria whose collaborative effort with the Acting Rector made this come through. Thank you so much. "This induction marks the beginning of our voyages. As we step forward with determination in our hearts and confidence in our minds, we promise to make this journey count," they said. The event brought together top echelon of the Academy’s Management, representatives of the NSML, Industry Leaders, Instructors, and proud parents and friends of the inductees.
From the Desk of the Head of Public Affairs