The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, has called for stronger collaboration between maritime training institutions and industry operators to enhance professional skills, sea-time training and employment opportunities for graduates entering Nigeria’s maritime sector.
Oyetola reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening maritime education, professional certification and practical training to produce a competent workforce capable of meeting the demands of the global maritime industry.
Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy Fatima Sugra Mahmood at the 2026 cadets graduation ceremony of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria MAN, Oron Akwa Ibom
The Minister made this known in an address delivered on his behalf by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Mrs Fatima Sugra Mahmood, at the 2026 Cadets’ Graduation Ceremony of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron, Akwa Ibom State.
He stressed that maritime graduates must be equipped with relevant professional qualifications, practical experience and industry-driven competencies to improve their employability and enable them to contribute effectively to the development of the sector.
According to him, stronger partnerships between maritime training institutions and industry operators are essential to bridging the gap between classroom learning and professional practice, particularly in providing cadets with adequate sea-time experience.
A major highlight of the ceremony was the official launch of the Academy’s Enterprise Content Management System (ECMS), designed to enhance administrative efficiency, transparency, accountability and institutional service delivery.
Dr, Pius Ukeyima Akutah Director-General CEO NPERA at the 2026 cadets graduation ceremony Maritime University of Nigeria, Oron Akwa Ibom
Also speaking at the event, the Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Port Economic Regulatory Agency (NPERA), Dr Pius Akutah, announced plans to introduce an annual Award of Honesty for three cadets of the Academy, beginning in 2027.
Akutah said the initiative was designed to promote integrity, ethical conduct and professionalism among emerging maritime practitioners.
Congratulating the graduating cadets, the NPERA chief described their graduation as the beginning of a new phase of professional development, urging them to embrace opportunities for career advancement, practical experience and meaningful contributions to Nigeria’s maritime industry.
He encouraged the graduates to demonstrate discipline, dedication and a commitment to continuous learning as they transition from academic training into professional responsibilities.
Akutah further emphasised that technical competence must be complemented by integrity and responsible conduct, noting that ethical standards remain essential to building a credible maritime industry and sustaining public confidence.
He explained that the proposed Award of Honesty would recognise and encourage exemplary conduct among cadets while reinforcing the values required for responsible leadership and professional excellence.
The graduation ceremony underscored the importance of sustained collaboration among the Federal Government, maritime training institutions, regulatory agencies and industry operators in developing a skilled maritime workforce.
It also highlighted the need for improved professional training, practical exposure and ethical standards to strengthen Nigeria’s maritime capacity and advance the country’s marine and blue economy.
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