Reject suggestions to convert Maritime Academy Of Nigeria to conventional university – Alumni group 

By Samuel Benjamin

The Alumni of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron (AMANO) has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to preserve the specialised structure of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, (MAN) Oron by resisting its conversion into a conventional university under the Ministry of Education.

In an open letter by its President, Emmanuel Maiguwa, AMANO lauded the Tinubu administration’s commitment to maritime development, citing the creation of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and the recent signing of Nigeria’s Marine and Blue Economy Policy.

AMANO, however, expressed concern over the proposed conversion of MAN, Oron, highlighting significant risks associated with such a move.

The group warned that a shift from its specialized framework could lead to a loss of international accreditation, as maritime training institutions must adhere to International Maritime Organisation (IMO) regulations, particularly the Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) Convention.

The body also cautioned against the dilution of quality, arguing that maritime education demands specialised facilities, simulators, and expertise that a generalised curriculum might undermine.

The Alumni group further said would lead to reduced global competitiveness for Nigerian cadets and pose national security risks by compromising the precision-trained personnel essential for maritime security and port operations.

“As proud graduates of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron (MAN Oron), and dedicated stakeholders in the mantime sector, we write with utmost respect and concern for the future of Nigeria’s mantime training architecture.

“The Martime Academy of Nigeria, MAN Oron is a strategically vital institution, purpose-built to deliver specialised training in accordance with global maritime standards.

“For decades, it has equipped Nigeria’s seafarers, marine engineers, and navigators with the competencies required to serve our nation and compete internationally.

“We respectfully express concern over the proposed conversion of the Academy into a conventional university under the Ministry of Education This move, while perhaps well-intentioned, poses significant risks:

“Loss of International Accreditation: Maritime training institutions must conform to the International Maritime Qrganisation (IMO) regulations, particularly the Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STOW) Convention. A shift from its specialised framework could lead to a loss of certification and recognition.

“Dilution of Quality: Maritime education demands specialised facilities, simulators, and expertise. Generalisation may undermine the quality of training and safety outcomes.

“Reduced Global Competitiveness: The Academy equips graduates to compete in the global maritime labour market. Weakening its focus would disadvantage Nigerian cadets on the international stage.

“National Security Risks: Maritime security and port operations require precision-trained personnel. Specialised institutions like MAN Oron are critical to sustaining these competencies,” the letter reads in part.

AMANO urged Tinubu’ to retain the Academy under the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to ensure training remains aligned with sectoral needs, policy direction, and maritime strategy.

“Reinforcement of the Academy’s Specialized Structure: MAN Oron should continue operating within the STCW framework, supervised by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), with a focus on producing world-class maritime professionals.

“Flexible Degree-Awarding Structure: Degree programs should reflect specific maritime manpower needs, potentially through academic partnerships akin to the Nigerian Defence Academy model,” it said.

They added that Nigeria already has a Maritime University in Okerenkoko, which has faced challenges operating outside the direct oversight of the sector-specific ministry.

The group also pointed out that several conventional universities already offer maritime-related degree programs under the Ministry of Education.

“Mr. President, the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, is not just an academic institution – it is a strategic national asset. To weaken its foundation is to compromise Nigeria’s future in the global maritime domain.

“Preserving its specialised mandate is essential for safeguarding our national interests, advancing the blue economy, and securing sustainable jobs for our youth. We trust in your leadership and are confident that your administration will uphold Nigeria’ s vision for a strong, competitive, and secure maritime future,” AMANO said.