Registrar and current acting rector of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, MAN, Oron; Mr. Mkpandiok Ante Mkpandiok has boasted that the foremost nautical institution in Nigeria has the right equipment and facilities required by international regulatory institutions.
Speaking at the just-concluded maritime journalists’ retreat in Lagos, the Registrar, speaking with optimism, told participants that MAN Oron has training equipment which have enabled the Academy to train men and women that continue to excel within and outside the shores of Nigeria.
The Registrar stressed that, “we have as at today in the Academy, a functional 270 Degrees Advanced Ship-Handling Simulator (Liquid Cargo Handling Simulator) and 360 Degrees Full Mission Bridge Simulator. The Cadets Refectory has been expanded to accommodate over a 1,000 cadets at the same time”.
Admitting that the academy has witnessed increased demand for admission which has stretched its facilities, Mkpandiok said management is prepared as hostel facilities for both male and female cadets are being expanded to match the increasing demand for training.
Asked how digital MAN has gone in its academic services/trainings, the Registrar said “virtually all aspects of operations have been computerized. The academy’s library has been upgraded following the installation of Library Information Systems. As we speak, the admission processes of the
academy are done online by intending cadets and students. Fees are also paid online”.
On how the academy is coping with attracting and keeping lecturers, Mr. Mkpandiok explained, that “as it is well known, it costs very much to train a maritime professional; it costs even more to develop a qualified maritime instructor.’’
“In view of the comparatively low salary packages in the academy compared to what is offered in the maritime and oil and gas industries located near the academy, the institution continues to suffer from the syndrome of inability to attract and retain sufficient number of qualified professionals as instructors as the oil and gas sector continues to poach or lure them away with mouth-watering offers”
The Registrar therefore appealed to all maritime stakeholders and indeed the government to continue to support MAN, Oron as it strives to fulfil its statutory mandate in the country.
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