Maritime Academy Must Remain In Marine and Blue Economy Ministry, Group Tells Tinubu

Alumni of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, have urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to safeguard the Academy’s specialised structure, warning of critical consequences if proposed changes go ahead.

In an open letter signed by Emmanuel Maiguwa, president of the alumni association, they commended the administration for its dedication to maritime development, citing the creation of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and recent national policy advances as proof of commitment.

However, they voiced deep concern that plans to reposition the Maritime Academy outside the Ministry’s direct oversight could threaten both the institution’s international accreditation and its vital role in training Nigeria’s marine workforce.

The alumni highlighted that the Academy served as a purpose-built institution for delivering specialised training in line with global maritime standards.

They argued that shifting its administrative framework could trigger the loss of key international endorsements, as maritime training bodies are required by the International Maritime Organisation and the STCW Convention to maintain strict sectoral alignment. According to the letter, weakening the Academy’s focus would risk diluting the quality of its programmes, given the need for state-of-the-art facilities, simulators, and expert instruction in maritime education.

This, they warned, could render graduates less competitive on the international stage and ultimately disadvantage Nigeria’s maritime sector.

Further, the alumni cautioned that such changes could undermine national security, as the Academy is a cornerstone for cultivating highly skilled personnel needed in maritime security and port operations.

They called on President Tinubu to ensure the Academy remains under the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, to reinforce its specialised framework, and to adopt flexible degree-awarding structures that serve sector needs, possibly through new partnerships similar to those established at the Nigerian Defence Academy.

Recognising that Nigeria already operates a Maritime University in Okerenkoko, the alumni emphasised that the Oron Academy is a strategic national asset whose unique mission should not be diluted or duplicated.

They expressed confidence in the president’s leadership and urged him to prioritise both international standards and national interests to secure a vibrant, competitive maritime future for Nigeria.