Nigerian Army Officers Tour MAN Facilities for Insights
The Maritime Academy of Nigeria played host to the Commandant and Officers of the Nigerian Army Amphibious Training School, (ATS), Calabar on Tuesday 19th November 2024. The officers who were on a training tour of the Academy were received by the management, led by the Coordinator, Specialized Seafarers Training Centre, Dr Kevin Okonna, who is currently covering the duties of the Rector.
In his welcome remarks, the Acting Rector disclosed that the management was honoured to have critical stakeholders visiting the Academy always. He also emphasised the eco-friendliness of the Academy’s environment and showcased some of the top-notch infrastructural and training facilities that place the Academy at par with its contemporaries around the world.
Presenting a detailed brief on the Academy, the Acting Rector took the visitors through the history of the Academy, programmes on offer as well as state-of-the-art infrastructural and educational facilities on ground, offering them a vivid glimpse into the institution’s legacy of excellence and commitment towards shaping the future of maritime education and training in Africa.
He appreciated the efforts and sacrifices of the Nigerian military towards maintaining peace as well as ensuring protection of Nigeria’s territorial integrity. In his words “let me take this opportunity to express our profound gratitude for the sacrifices you all make in defending our nation. The Academy is a unique institution that fosters collaboration between civilians and military personnel”.
Remarking further, the Acting Rector highlighted “the significance of the visit reinforces our shared sense of purpose and belonging and we are always greatly honoured to have you visit the Academy annually.”
According to the Acting Rector, the Academy stands at the forefront of maritime education and training with an array of facilities deployed at the institution, which is also complemented by a team of qualified professionals in its faculties, and a serene environment emplaced for teaching and learning to thrive. He also underscored the fact that training activities at the Academy are conducted in line with global best practices.
He explained the categories of trainings at the Academy, which includes the regular cadet programmes leading to awards of National or Higher National Diplomas on one hand, and the specialized training for professionals in the maritime industry, which is in line with the International Maritime Organization’s Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW).
He enumerated a few of the facilities the Academy boasts of, to include: four modern simulators, four survival pools that provide practical training on personal survival techniques at sea; lecture theatres, and classrooms equipped with smart boards and multimedia devices; a learning environment designed to foster optimal learning as well as other cutting-edge facilities that set the Academy ahead of other institutions of contemporary status.
“With these state-of-the-art facilities, we are not just keeping up with the trend, but leading the way in maritime education and training,” he added.
Earlier, the leader of the visiting team, Brigadier General Emmanuel Azenda, thanked the Management of the Academy for their warm reception and acknowledged the neatness of the Academy’s learning environment.
He also informed the management of the purpose of their visit, which was to expose the participants of the 2024 Amphibious Staff Officers Course (ASOC) on Amphibious and Riverine Operations, to the knowledge and terrain of the maritime environment as well as safety measures expected of personnel in coastal environments.
He said, “I want to appreciate the Acting Rector and his team for the excellent reception. It is an honour to be in the Academy once again. The Amphibious Training School and the Maritime Academy of Nigeria have enjoyed long years of partnership.”
“The purpose of this visit, which was basically to enable 2024 ASOC participants to acquaint themselves with the workings of the maritime environment has been achieved. It is our firm belief that this tour would help broaden their knowledge base, especially since this is a training institution,” he added.
The high point of the visit was a guided tour of some of the Academy’s facilities, which included: the Multifunctional Classroom Simulator, the Full Mission Engine Room Simulator, the Full Mission Bridge Simulator, the Ocular Vision (Virtual Reality) Simulator, Survival Pools, Smart Classrooms and the Library Complex. Others were the Marine Engineering Workshop, Marine Exhibition Hall, as well as other training facilities at the Jetty.
In the Acting Rector’s entourage were the top echelon of Academy’s Management, the Acting Registrar, Mr. P. M. Netson; Director, School of Engineering, Engr. Williams Ekwerre; Ag. Bursar, Mr. Anthony Ambi; Director, School of Nautical Studies, Capt E. S. Uwak; Director, School of Maritime Transport Studies, Dr. Gabriel Eto; Director of Human Resources; Mr. Yusuf Ishiola; Regimental Unit Commander, Lieutenant Commander MK Gulak. Others were Heads of ICT and Public Affairs Departments, Mr. Vincent Okpe and Domo Umoekpe.
From the Desk of the Head of Public Affairs Department.
