By Seun Ibiyemi
The Governing Council of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron, has announced plans to purchase training vessels as part of efforts to resolve the longstanding challenge of seatime training for cadets.
A persistent shortage of ocean-going vessels in Nigeria has hindered cadets from acquiring the mandatory sea experience required for certification and employment, leaving many either unemployed, seeking opportunities abroad, or abandoning their maritime careers altogether.
Stakeholders have repeatedly urged the Federal Government and maritime regulators such as the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) to establish a national fleet and foster global shipping partnerships to bridge the capacity gap.
Speaking at the Academy’s 3rd Quarter 2025 Citizens and Stakeholders’ Engagement, themed “Implementation of the National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy for Onboard Training of Nigerian Merchant Navy Cadets and the Critical Needs of Maritime Academy of Nigeria,” Chairman of the Governing Council, Engr. Kehinde Akinola, disclosed that the acquisition of training vessels was part of the institution’s five-year strategic plan.
According to him, the initiative would not only address the cadetship training crisis but also align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“We have plans to get training vessels for the training of our cadets,” Akinola said, noting that MAN Oron already boasts one of the best simulators in the world, but requires training ships to complete its cadets’ professional development.
He further revealed that provisions have been made in the Academy’s 2025 budget to ensure cadets undergo onboard training, even if it means paying to secure placements.