The Federal Government has named Dr. Kevin Okonna as the acting Rector of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron, Akwa Ibom State. This appointment follows the resignation of the former Rector, Commodore Duja Effedua (rtd).
The announcement was made in a statement issued on Monday by the Head of Public Affairs of the Academy, Mrs. Domo Umoekpe, in Uyo. According to Umoekpe, the appointment was conveyed through a letter signed by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola, on behalf of the Federal Government.
The minister encouraged Dr. Okonna to leverage his vast experience in the maritime sector to enhance the Academy’s operations and contribute to achieving the ministry’s vision and the “Renewed Hope Agenda” of President Bola Tinubu.
Dr. Okonna is a seasoned maritime scholar with nearly three decades of dedicated service to the Academy. He holds advanced educational and professional qualifications from prestigious institutions, including the World Maritime University in Malmö, Sweden.
Over the years, Dr. Okonna has served the Academy in numerous capacities, showcasing his leadership and expertise. His roles include:
- Pioneer Head of the Maritime Safety Department
- Pioneer Director of the defunct MAN Consultancy Services
- Pioneer Director of the Strategy, Research, and Development Directorate
Additionally, Dr. Okonna is a distinguished member of the Nautical Institute (UK) and a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT).
Umoekpe noted that Dr. Okonna’s contributions to the Academy have been significant, and his appointment as acting Rector is expected to further bolster the institution’s role in advancing Nigeria’s maritime sector.
