ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-The House of Representatives Committee on Maritime Safety, Education and Administration has urged the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron in Akwa Ibom State, to sustain a high standard of accountability and efficient service delivery.
The Deputy Chairman of the committee, Uduak Ududoh, gave the advice on Thursday during an oversight visit by the lawmakers to the institution.
Ududoh praised the academy’s management for demonstrating commitment to prudent budget spending and careful execution of projects.
He noted that the committee was impressed by the institution’s infrastructure and its partnerships with internationally recognised organisations.
“We have received detailed briefings from the academy’s management on the implementation of the 2025 budget as approved by the National Assembly.
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“The presentation was supported with documentary evidence and visual records of projects that have been implemented,” he said.
The deputy chairman explained that the committee also carried out physical inspections of facilities across the academy as part of its oversight responsibilities.
Ududoh, who represents the Ikot Abasi/Mkpat Enin/Eastern Obolo Federal Constituency in the National Assembly of Nigeria, said the present leadership had placed the academy on a path of steady progress through improved performance.
The lawmaker added that the growing number of cadets from the academy, as well as those currently serving on board sea vessels, was a positive development.
“The academy’s growing collaboration with international institutions and professional maritime bodies is an evidence of resilient efforts to reposition the school.
“Any parent bringing a child here wants to know what happens after graduation. That has been a challenge in the past, but the management is making progress in that area.
“The partnership with international professional bodies for registration and global recognition of cadets and graduates of the institution is worthy of commendation,” he said.
Speaking to cadets at the academy, Ududoh urged them to remain focused on their training and stay away from social vices in order to build successful careers as seafarers.
Earlier, the Acting Rector, Kevin Okonna, said the institution had strengthened efforts to broaden its international collaborations and attract foreign students.
Okonna stressed that Nigeria must maximise the benefits of the academy, adding that only a limited number of maritime training institutions in the region could match its infrastructure.
“We have an academy in which the government is investing significant resources. We must work together to ensure that Nigerians get full benefits from it,” he said.
He added that within the past year, the academy had shown strong dedication to producing seafarers capable of contributing to both national and global maritime development.
(NAN)