The Management of Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN) Oron has said that it has put in place all infrastructure and academic requirements needed for the eventual take-off of the academy as a degree awarding institution.
The rector of the academy, Mr. Joshua Okpo dropped the hint when The Secretary-General of the International Maritime organization (IMO) embarked on a facility tour of the academy in readiness for the much awaited upgrading of MAN to world-class Maritime University diligently and faithfully.
Okpo explained that based on the need to be accorded the status, his administration has pursued the mandate set before the academy by the organization in line with global Maritime Standards.
The rector told the body’s secretary-general represented by Mr. Ashok Mahapatra that apart from the physical structures and facilities which the academy has exceeded the demands of Imo all needed equipment at the jetty and boat yard had been procured and installed for effective Maritime and sea faring operations.
He conducted the IMO Secretary-General round the Marine Engineering workshop, Electrical Engineering, Simulator Complex, fire fighting bay, strength of materials and mechanics of machines laboratory, simulator among others stressing that the academy in terms of facility and equipment was ready to commence academic programmes leading to the award of degrees in all fields of maritime operation.
For maritime courses and programmes, Okpo stated that the academy has up graded all the courses and equally expanded, its curriculum and syllabuses to all areas of Maritime safety, Operation, Clearing and forwarding.
The rector pointed out that management had equally employed the required academic, non-academic and management staff to properly manage the system in pursuance of academic excellence and administration effectiveness.
Okpo maintained that Maritime Academy was happy that the IMO had come to give the academy a technical direction adding that with the visit of Mahapatra, and what he had seen in terms of infrastructure, facilities and work force there is hope that the approval will be given to allow the academy move to greater heights.
Responding, the Organizations Secretary General said he was happy with the academy for accomplishing the task of providing necessary facilities in preparation for the commencement of degree programmes in the academy to effectively hold the manpower needs of the maritime sector.
He described the facility and infrastructure and proficiency in as that which have met international maritime standards, stressing that IMO was satisfied with the academy’s preparedness.
Mahapatra stated that even though the organization has the mandate of certifying standards, the responsibility of giving the approval lies with the federal government as the organization will not raise any objection.
The secretary general pointed out that the organization to some extent does not pay emphasis to programmes run by maritime institutions in the world rather interest in promoting competence and proficiency in the sector to ensure safety and effective service delivery.
The IMO secretary general told the academy that whether the degree status is given or not, it must ensure that graduates of the institution are highly placed to meet the excellent manpower needs of the maritime industry anywhere in the world.
No comments:
Post a Comment