MAN Council Chairman, Kehinde Akinola, Commends Tinubu on Marine and Blue Economy
The Chairman of the 6th Governing Council of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Engr. Kehinde Akinola, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his visionary leadership and strategic direction in advancing Nigeria’s Marine and Blue Economy.
Akinola gave the commendation while speaking at the 3rd Quarter 2025 Citizens and Stakeholders’ Engagement, themed “Implementation of the National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy with Particular Reference to Onboard Training Opportunities for Merchant Navy Cadets” held on September 16 at the Academy’s campus, and described the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda as a transformative framework that is reshaping maritime education, policy, and industry partnerships.
Engr. Akinola highlighted that the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda has provided a clear roadmap for policy articulation and delivery, especially in the marine sector.
He explained that the quarterly engagement series reflects the administration’s commitment to transparency, citizen involvement, and measurable outcomes in the Marine and Blue Economy.
Akinola, who hailed the theme as timely and critical, highlighted the importance of providing sea-time and onboard exposure for cadets, describing it as both a national obligation and a strategic opportunity to elevate Nigeria’s maritime workforce to global standards.
The Academy under the leadership of the 6th Governing Council has initiated several landmark reforms, covering strategic development plan and institutional milestones.
This includes a five-year strategic development plan, conceived and completed under Council oversight, which is currently awaiting ministerial approval. It also aims to drive institutional reform, enhance training standards, and position the Academy among the top maritime institutions in West and Central Africa.
For the first time since the Academy’s founding in 1977, a comprehensive Staff Conditions and Scheme of Service has been developed and submitted to the Office of the Head of the Civil Service for approval.
According to Akinola, these initiatives reflect the Council’s proactive approach and alignment with the Federal Government’s emphasis on accountability and delivery.
Speaking on industry partnership and stakeholder support, he called on shipowners and maritime operators to collaborate with the Academy in providing onboard training opportunities for cadets.
He affirmed that such partnerships are essential to turning theoretical knowledge into practical competence, thereby producing globally competitive seafarers.
Akinola expressed his gratitude to the Honourable Minister, Acting Rector Dr. Kevin Okonna, and the Academy’s management for their dedication, as well as to the stakeholders for their continued support in shaping the future of maritime education and the Blue Economy.
Akinola reiterated the Council’s commitment to national development through maritime excellence.
He welcomed all participants to the Academy, adding “Your presence here today reinforces the shared responsibility we bear for the future of maritime education and training and the Blue Economy in Nigeria”.