The Alumni of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron (AMANO), has announced plans to host its 2025 National Convention at the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, Akwa Ibom State, as part of efforts to promote sustainability, gender inclusion, and innovation within the nation’s maritime industry.
The three-day event, themed “Greening the National Blue Economy: Collaboration Towards Sustainable Seas, Shipping, and Maritime Education,” is scheduled to hold from November 11 to 13, 2025, and will attract key stakeholders across the maritime value chain, including policymakers, industry leaders, educators, and students.
Speaking at a press briefing in Lagos, AMANO President, Mr. Emmanuel Maiguwa, said the decision to host the convention at the academy was both symbolic and strategic, as it represents a return to the alumni’s roots and an opportunity to contribute directly to the growth of maritime education in Nigeria.
“We are converging at the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, to celebrate our growth, excellence, and to contribute to national development,” Maiguwa stated. “The theme aligns with the IMO’s 2025 global focus and underscores our commitment to advancing the Federal Government’s blue economy agenda through collaboration and environmental sustainability.”
He noted that the convention will not only provide a forum for industry dialogue but also align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by promoting green shipping practices, innovative technologies, and sustainable maritime education.
According to Maiguwa, AMANO remains committed to capacity building, professional development, and policy advocacy aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s maritime competitiveness globally.
“This year, we are combining the convention with the academy’s 2025 graduation ceremony,” he explained. “It’s an opportunity for industry operators and employers to engage with the graduating cadets — the future workforce — and for us to gather feedback that can further improve the academy’s training standards.”
He further highlighted the academy’s impressive infrastructural and technological transformation in recent years, describing it as capable of rivaling leading maritime training institutions in West and Central Africa if properly promoted.
In his remarks, Chairman of the Planning Committee, Chief Jonathan Agassi, disclosed that activities for the convention will begin on November 11 with an arrival and “Meet and Greet” session designed to promote networking and collaboration among alumni and invited guests.
“This year’s meet and greet goes beyond social interaction,” Agassi said. “It’s an opportunity to network, exchange ideas, and form partnerships. Someone may have an idea without the resources, while another may have the resources without the idea — this event bridges that gap.”
The second day, November 12, will feature paper presentations and panel sessions focused on building a sustainable maritime future. The first paper, titled “Strengthening Marine Education for a Sustainable Blue Economy: Bridging Academia, Industry, and Policy,” will be delivered by a representative of the academy.
The second paper, to be presented by industry veteran Captain Suleiman, will address “Gender Inclusion and Decent Work in Nigeria’s Maritime Sector: Supporting Female Seafarers and Closing Wage Gaps.”
Agassi added that the panel discussion will bring together regulators, academia, and industry players, including Nigeria’s first female ship captain, and other experienced female seafarers who will share their personal stories and challenges in a bid to encourage gender equality and inspire younger generations.
“The maritime industry has not always been friendly to women,” he noted. “We want to use this platform to amplify their voices and encourage the younger ones to prepare for the realities of the industry.”
The final day of the event, November 13, will coincide with the academy’s Passing Out Parade (POP) for graduating cadets. Alumni members are expected to participate in the ceremony before proceeding to Uyo for a Gala and Awards Night, where distinguished members and maritime professionals will be honoured for their contributions to the sector and the alumni body.
“We will use the gala to recognize those who have excelled and inspire others to do better,” Agassi said. “Recognition motivates excellence, and we want younger professionals to understand that hard work and integrity are still rewarded in this industry.”
Other highlights of the convention include a novelty football match between AMANO members and academy students, as well as a morning fitness drill (PT) to recreate the nostalgic spirit of academy life and promote physical wellness among participants.
Maiguwa concluded by extending an open invitation to all maritime stakeholders including shipowners, terminal operators, crewing agencies, logistics providers, and regulators — to participate in the event.
“This convention provides a vital platform to discuss the future of Nigeria’s maritime industry,” he said. “It’s a call for collaboration, innovation, and sustainability to ensure our seas remain productive, our shipping greener, and our education globally competitive.”
The 2025 AMANO National Convention, according to the organizers, is expected to serve as a strategic convergence point for ideas and partnerships that will redefine Nigeria’s approach to maritime training and sustainable blue economy growth.
