MAN mulls partnership with Liberia for cadets’ sea-time training

The Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron, has moved to tap into Liberia Maritime Authority’s (LiMA) vast global fleet through a strategic training partnership aimed at expanding sea-time opportunities for cadets and strengthening maritime education across West and Central Africa.

The proposed collaboration, which also involves the Liberia Maritime Training Institute (LMTI), could open placement opportunities for MAN cadets aboard Liberian-flagged vessels while creating a framework for lecturer exchanges, curriculum development and specialised maritime training programmes.

The initiative, according to a statement by the academy’s Head of Public Affairs 

Domo Umoekpe, emerged during a five-day engagement between both sides held from February 23 to 27, 2026, as the country seeks to position its maritime training institutions to compete globally and address one of the sector’s most persistent challenges—limited sea-time berths for graduating cadets.

Under the proposed arrangement, cadets of MAN, Oron would be placed onboard Liberian-flagged vessels to complete mandatory sea-time training, an essential requirement for professional certification under international maritime standards.

Other areas of collaboration include lecturer exchange programmes, sharing of Maritime Education and Training (MET) resources, peer review of training curricula, and promotion of academic programmes offered by both institutions on their respective platforms.

The partnership also provides for the training of Liberian youths at MAN and capacity-building programmes for Liberian Port State Control Officers at the academy in collaboration with the Abuja Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control for West and Central Africa.

Chairman of the Governing Council of MAN, Engr. Kehinde Olayinka Akinola, described the engagement as part of Nigeria’s broader strategy to deepen maritime cooperation within the region and strengthen institutional capacity.

“This visit majorly underscores the Federal Government of Nigeria’s commitment to advancing maritime education and international best practices in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda for the Marine and Blue Economy sector. The proposed agreement will strengthen sub-regional cooperation and fast-track collective growth within the blue economy sector,” Akinola said.

He added that the initiative aligns with efforts to position Nigeria as a regional hub for maritime training and operations while fostering stronger ties with leading maritime administrations.

Akinola also commended Liberia’s maritime administration structure, noting its adherence to international conventions and strong presence in global shipping.

During the engagement, the Acting Rector of the academy, Dr. Kevin Okonna, emphasised that the collaboration would strengthen practical training pathways for cadets while expanding academic cooperation between both institutions.

He said, “We acknowledge and recognise Liberia for its significant stance in the global maritime community, particularly as a nation with the world’s largest merchant ship fleet/tonnage and as a Category A Member of the Council of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).

Advertisement

“This partnership reflects our shared vision to build a new generation of highly skilled and globally competitive seafarers through collaboration, innovation, and capacity development. It would enable both institutions to leverage each other’s strong points to enhance the quality of MET and capacity building for lecturers and cadets.”

Okonna noted that the academy’s enhanced curriculum, skilled faculty and modern training facilities have strengthened its position among leading maritime education and training institutions globally.

Responding, Deputy Commissioner of the Liberia Maritime Authority, Mr. John F. Harvey, welcomed the Nigerian delegation, describing the initiative as a significant step toward stronger regional maritime cooperation.

“Let me reaffirm our unwavering commitment to mutually beneficial partnerships that would enhance maritime education and training excellence and professional development of our Cadets,” Harvey said.

Officials of the Liberian maritime administration also commended the Nigerian delegation’s presentation, describing it as a comprehensive showcase of MAN’s institutional capacity, strategic direction and commitment to maritime training excellence.

As part of the visit, the Nigerian delegation undertook a guided tour of the marine engineering training facilities of the Liberia Maritime Training Institute and observed a ceremonial parade by LMTI cadets.

The delegation included the chairman of the governing council, Engr. Kehinde Akinola; Acting Rector Dr. Kevin Okonna; council members including Faisal Halidu, Samuel Isichei, Hussaina Inja and Shegu Maigari.

Also on the team were the academy’s Director of Research and Strategic Development, Dr. John Adeyanju; Acting Registrar Mr. P. M. Netson; Acting Bursar Mr. Anthony Ambi; Secretary-General of the Abuja MoU on Port State Control, Capt. Sunday Umoren; Senior Assistant Registrar (Rectorate) Mr. Ime Morgan; Senior Lecturer in Marine Engineering Mr. Hope Inyang; and the academy’s Image Manager, Domo Umoekpe.