The Marine and Blue Economy community on Thursday, November 13, gathered at the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, for the 2025 Graduation Ceremony, which saw 221 cadets complete their studies across the Academy’s seven academic schools.
Represented by the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ubong Umoh, Governor Umo Eno commended the Academy’s Acting Rector, Dr. Kevin Okonna, and his team for organising a well-coordinated ceremony. He underscored the strategic role of the maritime industry in global trade and interaction, emphasising that the seaway remains a vital gateway for economic exchange.
Governor Eno reiterated his administration’s resolve to advance the Blue Economy through the ARISE Agenda, in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope initiative to expand opportunities for cadets and maritime professionals nationwide.
The Governor further announced measures to enhance marine safety within Akwa Ibom’s waterways, disclosing that the State government has acquired 14 gunboats to tackle insecurity. He revealed that two new ferries, one with a 75-passenger capacity and space for eight vehicles, and another with a 72-passenger capacity, have been introduced to strengthen maritime transportation and connectivity.
In his remarks, Dr. Okonna expressed appreciation to the Governor and dignitaries for their support, reaffirming the Academy’s commitment to delivering world-class maritime education. He confirmed the successful completion of Stage One of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) audit toward ISO 9001:2015 certification for its Quality Management System, adding that the institution was also progressing toward ISO 21001:2018 certification for its Educational Organizational Management System.
He further disclosed that the Academy recently hosted Independent Evaluators from the International Maritime Organization (IMO) for the mandatory STCW assessment. According to him, the positive feedback received from the evaluators reinforces the Academy’s credibility, competence, and alignment with global maritime training standards.
The Chairman of the Governing Council, Engr. Kehinde Akinola, lauded the management, staff, and cadets for their dedication and academic excellence. He urged the graduating cadets to remain resilient and disciplined as they advanced in their careers, reminding them that “you never fail until you stop trying.”
The ceremony featured the presentation of OND and HND certificates, as well as awards and employment offers to outstanding cadets. It drew notable stakeholders from the maritime sector, government agencies, and allied institutions.
