FG Moves To Actualize Elevation Of MAN Oron To University

Strong signals have emerged indicating seriousness on the part of the federal government to elevate the Maritime Academy of Nigeria in Oron , Akwa Ibom state to a university.
To actualize this, a 17-man committee has been constituted to drive the consolidation process of repositioning the Academy
Minister of Transport, Senator Idris Umar made this known during the recent Passing out Parade (POP) of Cadets of the Academy, Oron, Akwa Ibom State.

Strong signals have emerged indicating seriousness on the part of the federal government to elevate the Maritime Academy of Nigeria in Oron , Akwa Ibom state to a university.
To actualize this, a 17-man committee has been constituted to drive the consolidation process of repositioning the Academy
Minister of Transport, Senator Idris Umar made this known during the recent Passing out Parade (POP) of Cadets of the Academy, Oron, Akwa Ibom State.
Giving an insight into what government has done, the minster disclosed that, he “recently approved the constitution of a 17-member committee to drive the process that will culminate in the upgrading of the Academy to a degree awarding institution; a robust and functional maritime university that would be the best in Africa and comparable to any in the world.”
He said the committees will see to the upgrading of the academy’s syllabus so that it can produce globally accepted professionals, maintaining that the Government is determined to repositioning the academy as the nation’s premier maritime institution, even as he promised to inaugurate the committee within the next four week, giving assurance that a bill be presented on the issue to the National Assembly as soon as the committee completes its assignment.
The Minister also promised automatic employment to be given by the agencies under the Ministry to the 23 award -winning and outstanding cadets who got various awards during the ceremony.
The agencies include Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Nigerian Port Authority, Nigeria Shippers’ Council, the Maritime Academy, among others.
According to him, the Government is aware and strategizing to address the challenge so as to reposition and strengthen the institute to be able to produce an internally recognized maritime professionals.
“The ministry has therefore been working very closely with the board and management of the Academy to address the issues of inadequate workshop, laboratory, recreational and hostel accommodation and facilities as well as the problem of non-availability of a training ship, simulators, functional boat yard facilities, and the limited places for new in-takes relative to the demand for such places.”