FG Names Dr. Kevin Okonna As Acting Rector Of Maritime Academy Of Nigeria

The Federal Government has appointed Dr. Kevin Okonna as the Acting Rector of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), located in Oron, Akwa Ibom State. This new appointment comes following the conclusion of Commodore Duja Effedua’s (Rtd) tenure, which was marked by notable service delivery and advancements at the institution.

A Smooth Transition in Leadership

In a statement issued by Domo Umoekpe, Head of Public Relations at the Academy, it was revealed that the appointment was communicated via a letter from the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola. The Federal Government emphasized Dr. Okonna’s extensive experience in the maritime sector, highlighting his readiness to provide seamless leadership during this transitional period at the Academy.

An Esteemed Maritime Scholar

Dr. Okonna brings nearly three decades of dedicated service to the Academy. He is recognized as a distinguished maritime scholar with impressive educational and professional credentials from both national and international institutions. An alumnus of the prestigious World Maritime University (WMU) in Malmo, Sweden, he has consistently demonstrated excellence throughout his career.

Contributions to Maritime Development

Dr. Okonna has held several pivotal roles at MAN, including:

Pioneer Head of the Maritime Safety Department.
Director of the defunct MAN Consultancy Services.
Director of Strategy, Research, and Development Directorate.
Coordinator of the expanded Specialized Seafarers Training Centre.

Additionally, he is a distinguished member of the Nautical Institute (NI) in the UK and a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT). His efforts have significantly contributed to developing and accrediting specialized seafarers’ courses, advancing research initiatives, and fostering strategic industry partnerships.

Leadership Roles Beyond the Academy

Dr. Okonna has also represented the Academy in various Federal Government committees, including:

The Local Organising Committee (LOC) for Nigeria’s International Maritime Organization Member State Audit Scheme (IMSAS) audit in 2016.
The Interim Management Committee (IMC) established by the Federal Government in 2017 to restructure and reposition the Academy.

A Commitment to Excellence

During a recent management meeting, Dr. Okonna expressed his gratitude to God, the Federal Government, and stakeholders for the opportunity to lead the Academy. He extended his appreciation to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, the Chairman of the Governing Council, Kehinde Olayinka Akinola, and his predecessor, Commodore Duja Effedua (Rtd), for their support and confidence in his capabilities.

In his remarks, Dr. Okonna reaffirmed his dedication to maintaining and enhancing the Academy’s academic standards. He emphasized the Academy’s pivotal role in training maritime professionals and aligned his vision with the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy’s strategic goal of transforming Nigeria into a global maritime powerhouse. This vision is also in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

A Vision for the Future

Dr. Okonna stated, “The Academy has been at the forefront of quality maritime training. I am deeply committed to ensuring its sustainable development while providing the leadership required during this transitional phase, as directed by the Federal Government. Together, we will secure Nigeria’s position as a leader in global blue economic growth.”