The Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron, has graduated 221 cadets in a ceremony that turned into a major recruitment arena, with 70 outstanding students receiving top honours and attracting instant employment offers, cash awards, and sea-time opportunities from maritime operators.
The 2025 Passing Out Parade, held from November 10 to 13, saw companies competing to recruit the academy’s best talents, with several firms awarding N1 million cash prizes alongside job placements.
Acting Rector and Parade Review Officer, Dr. Kevin Okonna, charged the graduates to uphold the values of “discipline, integrity, and excellence,” stressing that their rigorous academic and regimental training had prepared them for global maritime careers.
“You must be worthy ambassadors of this Academy and the maritime industry. The values instilled in you here will shape your contribution to national and global maritime development,” he said.
Okonna commended the academy’s management, staff, and the Nigerian Navy for sustaining high training standards. He noted that the 2025 set enjoyed the “rare privilege” of interacting with International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez during his recent visit to Nigeria.
As top-performing cadets were announced, maritime operators swiftly stepped forward with job offers, sea-time slots, and cash awards. Starzs Investment Limited, led by Engr. Greg Ogbeifun topped the list by offering five cadets immediate employment, additional training, and N1 million each upon resumption.
Sea Transport Services Limited awarded cash prizes to eight exceptional cadets and hired five of them, while Aron Energy Services Limited gave N1 million each to three cadets and offered two job placements.
The Shipowners Association of Nigeria (SOAN) pledged sea-time training slots for 50 cadets, easing their pathway into industry practice. Chairman of the Senate Committee on Marine Transport, Senator Wasiu-Sanni Eshinlokun, also presented cash gifts to seven high-achieving cadets.
The Academy’s Alumni Association honoured excellence by awarding cash prizes to the best HND graduate, Bethel Chibuike Azubuike, and the best ND graduate, Lawrence Chisom Anita
Senator Eshinlokun affirmed that the National Assembly remains committed to strengthening the academy’s mandate of producing highly skilled maritime manpower.
“The Senate under Senator Godswill Akpabio will do everything to ensure the Academy remains a leading institution in West and Central Africa,” he said.
Similarly, House Committee representative Bareje Yusuf pledged improved budgetary support for the Academy.
Vice Chancellor of the Regional Maritime University, Ghana, Prof. Jethro Broke, offered postgraduate admission opportunities to the two best graduating cadets in recognition of their performance.
Former NPA Managing Director, Chief Adebayo Sarumi, NIMASA Director-General Dr. Dayo Mobereola, representatives of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, the Chief of Naval Staff, and the Akwa Ibom State Governor were among dignitaries who attended the ceremony at the Rotimi Amaechi Auditorium.
Engr. Isreal Obadan advised the cadets to remain professional, saying excellence would reward their discipline and effort.
For many cadets, the 2025 parade ranks among the institution’s most memorable. The Academy’s spokesperson, Domo Umoekpe, said Okonna had “lived up to expectations” and delivered a ceremony that left the graduates “full of joy.”
The Acting Rector reaffirmed MAN Oron’s commitment to producing seafarers capable of meeting the demands of the global maritime industry.
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