Concerns over the proposed conversion of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, Akwa Ibom State, to a conventional university have been amplified by the Chairman of its Governing Council, Kehinde Akinola, who urged stakeholders to carefully weigh the implications of such a transition on the institution's core mandate.
Akinola raised the caution at the first quarter 2026 Citizens and Stakeholders' Engagement held at the academy on Wednesday, themed "Leveraging Community Partnership for Effective Implementation of National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy." He stressed that the academy's strength lies in its specialised programmes, industry connections, global recognition and hands on training, warning that any shift must not dilute its focus.
"Converting the academy to a university would undoubtedly bring changes, but we must consider whether this shift would enhance or dilute our focus. Our strength lies in our specialised programmes, industry connections, global recognition, and hands on training. Let us leverage these strengths to drive innovation and growth," Akinola stated.
He further emphasised that the academy must align with the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) 1978, as amended, describing it as an international convention set by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) that guides maritime training globally. The University of Maritime Studies, Oron, Establishment Act was signed into law in 2022 by former President Muhammadu Buhari, officially upgrading the academy to a full university, though the institution is yet to fully transition following concerns that the change could undermine its mandate and affect specialised funding streams.
The Acting Rector, Dr Kelvin Okonna, disclosed that 80 of the 221 graduating cadets secured either automatic employment or seatime training opportunities at the 2025 cadets' graduation ceremony in November 2025. He also revealed that the academy signed a Memorandum of Agreement with NLNG Shipping and Marine Services Limited for onboard training opportunities over a three year period, with 43 cadets placed aboard NLNG vessels for mandatory one year STCW seatime experience between December 2025 and February 2026.
The engagement also witnessed the formal commissioning of three community projects, including the construction of seven lock up shops and 19 open kiosks in Eyo Abasi, a 600 litre solar powered borehole in Udung Okwong and a 10KVA solar power facility at the palace of the Paramount Ruler of Oron, HRM Offong Odiong Akan, who commended the Governing Council and management for their commitment to host community development.
