Maritime Academy gets 50 cadets on global vessels, 43 on NLNG ships

The Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron, has secured sea-time placements for more than 50 cadets on internationally trading vessels, including 43 currently training aboard ships operated by NLNG Shipping and Marine Services Limited (NSML), as the institution intensifies efforts to prepare Nigerian seafarers for global employment.

The placements address one of the maritime industry’s persistent manpower challenges: access to mandatory onboard training required for cadets to obtain professional certification and qualify for seafaring careers.

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Fatima Sugra Mahmood, disclosed this at the academy’s 2026 cadets’ graduation ceremony in Oron, Akwa Ibom State.

Oyetola said the Federal Government was committed to ensuring that maritime education translated into meaningful employment, internationally recognised qualifications and a skilled workforce capable of supporting the country’s shipping industry.

“For the Federal Government, the ultimate objective of maritime education is not simply to produce graduates, but to develop competent professionals who can find meaningful employment, compete internationally and contribute to the growth of our marine and blue economy,” he said.

The minister commended NSML, the Shipowners Association of Nigeria, Starzs Investment Limited, Sea Transport Services Nigeria Limited, Arion Energy Services Limited and other industry partners for providing onboard training opportunities.

“I encourage more indigenous shipowners and maritime operators to embrace this responsibility. Providing sea-time opportunities is not merely a contribution to the Academy; it is an investment in the future of Nigeria’s shipping industry,” he said.

The Acting Rector of the academy, Dr Kevin Okonna, said the institution had placed more than 50 cadets on internationally trading ships since its November 2025 graduation ceremony, including the 43 cadets undertaking their mandatory one-year sea service aboard NLNG vessels.

He added that reports on the cadets’ performance had been impressive, ranging from very good to excellent in both professional competence and character.

He also announced that arrangements had been concluded with NSML to sponsor another batch of cadets for sea-time training aboard its vessels.

Beyond onboard training, Okonna said the academy had strengthened its quality assurance and international partnerships, securing ISO 9001:2015 certification for quality management and ISO 21001:2025 certification for educational organisations through the Standards Organisation of Nigeria earlier this year.

With support from the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), the academy, he said, also won a competitive expression of interest to partner with the International Maritime Organization and the World Maritime University on the Future Ready Shipping in Africa project, which supports integrated pilot initiatives for green and digital shipping in sub-Saharan Africa.

The rector said all cadets were registered with professional bodies, including the Nautical Institute, UK; the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology; the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport; or the Chartered Institute of Transport Administration.

In his goodwill message, NSML Managing Director, Abdulkadir Ahmed, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to developing Nigerian maritime professionals through structured training and industry partnerships.

“Our partnership with the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, including the training collaboration facilitated through our Maritime Centre of Excellence, reflects this commitment,” Ahmed said.

He said classroom instruction must be complemented by practical skills, discipline and safety consciousness to develop professionals capable of meeting international maritime standards.

The graduation ceremony also featured the official launch of the academy’s Enterprise Content Management System (ECMS), designed to move administrative operations from manual, paper-based processes to a more efficient, transparent and secure digital environment.

Oyetola said the system aligned with the Federal Government’s digital transformation reforms, aimed at improving efficiency, accountability and public service delivery. He urged the academy’s management to ensure its effective use and sustainability.

He further stressed that the academy’s performance should be measured not only by the number of graduates it produces but also by their transition into professional certification and productive maritime careers.

The minister urged the graduating cadets to uphold discipline, integrity and safety, embrace emerging technologies and pursue continuous professional development as they enter an increasingly competitive global shipping industry.

“Wherever your careers take you, whether onboard Nigerian vessels or international fleets, remember that you represent not only yourselves and this Academy but also the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.