The Federal Government of Nigeria has appointed Dr. Kevin Okonna as the Acting Rector of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, following the exit of the former Rector, Commodore Duja Effedua (Rtd), who left behind a legacy of remarkable development at the Academy.
The announcement was made in a letter signed by the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola CON. The Minister expressed confidence in Dr. Okonna’s wealth of experience in the maritime sector and urged him to provide the leadership required for a smooth transition as the Academy undergoes a status upgrade directed by the Federal Government.
Dr. Okonna, a renowned maritime scholar, brings nearly three decades of experience to his new role. An alumnus of the prestigious World Maritime University (WMU) Malmo, Sweden, he holds numerous academic and professional qualifications from recognized national and international institutions. Over the years, he has served the Academy in various pioneering roles, including Head of Maritime Safety Department, Director of MAN Consultancy Services, Director of Strategy, Research and Development Directorate, and Coordinator of the Specialized Seafarers Training Centre.
As a distinguished member of the Nautical Institute (NI), UK, and a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT), Dr. Okonna has made significant contributions to the development of the Academy. These include leading the development and accreditation of specialized seafarer courses, spearheading research initiatives, and fostering strategic industry partnerships.
He has also represented the Academy on several Federal Government committees, including the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the 2016 International Maritime Organization Member State Audit Scheme (IMSAS) and the Interim Management Committee (IMC) established in 2017 to restructure the Academy.
Speaking at a Management meeting, Dr. Okonna expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve and pledged his commitment to advancing the Academy’s goals. “I am grateful to God and the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola CON, and all stakeholders in the maritime industry for their confidence in me,” he said.
Dr. Okonna reaffirmed the Academy’s dedication to quality maritime training and aligned its vision with the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy’s strategic plan to position Nigeria as a global maritime powerhouse under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The Maritime Academy of Nigeria, established to train skilled professionals for the maritime sector, has been pivotal in advancing marine technology, applied research, and workforce development. As Nigeria’s leading maritime training institution, it continues to play a critical role in supporting the Marine and Blue Economy, with its graduates contributing significantly to the industry.
Dr. Okonna’s appointment marks a new chapter for the Academy, as it embarks on a mission to further enhance its status and impact within the global maritime community.
