Dr. Kevin Okonna

We have made significant progress in institutional stability, training quality and standards enhancement.

One of our key achievements has been strengthening academic and operational stability while improving training delivery systems. We have recruited 11 maritime professional lecturers, including three Master Mariners and two marine engineers. One of them is an internationally recognised simulator training expert.

We have also improved infrastructure maintenance systems and strengthened quality assurance frameworks. In addition, 75 staff members have received training across different aspects of quality management systems.

We have implemented ISO 9001:2015 awareness programmes, including training staff as internal auditors and lead auditors. 

Furthermore, 12 staff members have been trained to certification level in educational and organisational management systems.

These efforts form part of our broader objective of securing international certification for the Academy's quality management systems.

The modern shipping industry requires competent personnel with strong practical experience. This is the foundation of our training philosophy.

We begin with smart classrooms equipped with digital boards and internet connectivity, giving cadets access to global learning resources.

From there, students progress to laboratories and advanced simulators. These simulators provide the first layer of hands-on experience, allowing cadets to safely experience scenarios that would be too risky to replicate at sea.

As part of the Federal Government's Renewed Hope Agenda, the Academy has invested in a comprehensive suite of maritime training simulators. We currently operate eight categories of simulators integrated into full mission bridge and full mission engine room systems.

Cadets progress from basic simulation exercises to fully integrated bridge and engine room environments where they replicate real vessel operations.

We have also introduced immersive virtual reality simulation platforms, allowing cadets to interact with virtual engine rooms in full-scale environments.

In addition, we are acquiring advanced standalone high-voltage simulators to further strengthen our training capacity.

Beyond simulation, our marine engineering workshops remain central to practical training.

These include welding workshops, refrigeration and air-conditioning laboratories, electrical and electronics workshops, and a fully functional marine engineering workshop.

In fact, no cadet graduates from the Marine Engineering programme—whether at National Diploma or Higher National Diploma level—without dismantling, assembling and operating a complete marine engine. This practical approach is central to our training philosophy.

We recognise that maritime training must be globally relevant. Our goal is to ensure cadets are not only trained locally but are also integrated into international professional networks.

To achieve this, we encourage cadets to register with internationally recognised professional bodies, including:

●The Nautical Institute (Nautical Science)

●IMarEST (Marine Engineering)

●The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) (Maritime Transport and Business Management)

The Nautical Institute has also granted recognition to the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, reflecting the strength of our training standards.

By combining hands-on training, quality management systems and international professional integration, we are producing graduates who are globally competitive.

As a result, shipowners increasingly seek out our cadets because of their practical competence and industry readiness.

Collaboration is central to our strategy.

A major challenge in maritime training is ensuring adequate sea-time experience in line with the requirements of the STCW Convention.

Without sufficient sea-time, cadets cannot progress to full certification and professional employment.

To address this challenge, we have engaged shipowners, including the Ship Owners Association of Nigeria, to support cadet sea-time placement and bridge the gap between academic training and professional certification.

We have also engaged Nigeria LNG Shipping and Marine Services (NSML) to strengthen onboard training opportunities.

Internationally, we are working with the Regional Maritime University (RMU) to facilitate lecturer exchanges, student exchange programmes and joint quality assurance initiatives.

We are also collaborating with:

The Nautical Institute (UK) on simulator accreditation and Dynamic Positioning (DP) training

● IMarEST on course accreditation

● Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) Nigeria on cadet development

● Abuja MoU on the development and delivery of accredited Port State Control training courses in collaboration with NIMASA

These partnerships are designed to align our training with international standards while expanding cadet exposure to global maritime best practices.

Sustainability is central to our institutional planning.

We have strong government support under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, alongside effective collaboration with the National Assembly, particularly regarding Nigeria's obligations under the International Maritime Organization framework.

We have developed a structured five-year strategic development plan based on a comprehensive SWOT analysis. The plan establishes clear short-, medium- and long-term institutional goals and is currently awaiting ministerial approval. 

One of our most significant achievements has been developing a dedicated Condition of Service for staff—something the Academy had never previously established. It has been processed through the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation and approved, significantly strengthening staff welfare, motivation and retention.

We are also reinforcing maintenance systems across the campus to ensure the long-term sustainability of our infrastructure and training facilities.

Ultimately, our sustainability framework is built on three pillars:

● Strategic planning

● Human resource development and retention

● Infrastructure maintenance and operational efficiency

Together, these pillars position the Academy to continue delivering world-class maritime education for Nigeria and the wider West and Central African region.