BY EDET OKPO
Knowledge is never static, it is dynamic, embracing fresh ideas, techniques, methodologies, innovations, creativity, in driving any organizational setting to its apogee of greatness. Knowledge ceases when a man stops learning and exposing himself to be taught new ways of doing things. Hence, learning is a continuous process. It breaks the barrier of age; one cannot stop learning because one is old. Continuous learning deepens one’s knowledge; sharpens the intellect of an individual; builds greater confidence and boosts productivity.
No wonder, the Rector, Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron, Mr. Joshua Okpo, since assumption of duty first, as the Administrator of MAN, Oron second as Acting Rector and third as Substantive Rector, has accorded staff training and retraining utmost attention. He is driven by the conviction that capacity building of staff can be a mirage if staff are not trained and retrained in what they do as routine. He believed in continuous staff capacity building to enhance their efficiency and effectiveness for optimal performance.
Mr. Okpo, as he drives the vision of MAN, Oron to become a world class Maritime University in no distant time, is guided by the fact that no amount should be spared in continuous staff capacity building.
To him, staff training and retraining is the fulcrum upon which other sectors of the academy can function to the fullest. It is a truism that human capital development is the key to the success or functioning of an organization. He is not leaving any stone unturned in ensuring that staff of the Academy compete favourably with their counterparts in any Maritime Academy in the world. He does not mince word when he, at different fora, assures that the Academy, under his watch, will be among the top ten Academies in the world by 2020.
Because of his dogged commitment to staff capacity building, Mr. Joshua Okpo has been bombarded with commendations and accolades from members of the Academy community and Corporate Organizations for instituting regular training and retraining programmes for management staff, junior and senior staff of the Academy to keep them abreast of latest development in the global maritime arena.
The latest accolades came from the Head of Procurement, Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, Mr. Okon B. Okon, who could not hide his feelings when he spoke at an International Conference in Accra, Ghana, recently, organized by the Institute of Corporate Administration. Mr. Okon informed renowned Maritime Experts, professionals and stakeholders at the conference that the Rector, MAN, Oron has been able to harness available manpower for maximum productivity, and has also given priority attention to staff training and retraining. A development, he described as worthwhile, going by the enormous benefits staff are reaping from the training programme. Mr. Okon, a Chartered Accountant, Certified National Accountant, and Fellow, Nigerian Institute of Purchasing and Management, observed that with the efficient training given to staff of the Academy for enhanced productivity, they are prepared for the enormous task. The university status of the Academy will bring to them.
Another staff of the Academy, who is also the Deputy Registrar/ Head of Public Relations, Mr. Siddi Mkpandiok, saluted and applauded the visionary leadership of the Rector in instituting regular staff training and retraining programme in the Academy and the provision of quality and critical infrastructure in the Academy to boost teaching and learning, hence promoting academic excellence among cadets.
Others who also spoke glowingly of the Rector on his pragmatic and visionary leadership style, which has put the Academy on the path of growth and progress, were Charles Eluma, Resource Person, Institute of Corporate Administration, (ICA); Dr. Francis Adie and Jabita Tanheed of Shell Petroleum.
The International Conference organized by the Institute of Corporate Administration, held at Paloma Hotel and Suites, Spintex Road, Accra Ghana and featured Lectures such as “Leadership Challenge on Quality Service Deliver”; “Steps to Extraordinary Productivity; “Exploring the Magic of Inspiration and Motivation in Achieving success”; “Understanding Government Reforms and Economic Direction”, “Developing Exceptional Leaders-Critical Success Factors”.
As part of his effort in the staff capacity building, Joshua Okpo’s administration has intensified efforts at ensuring that cadets of the Academy, especially those from the Marine Engineering and Nautical Science Department, are sent abroad for adequate training for the Mandatory Sea Time Experience, the Rector has visited Singapore, Turkey, and the world Maritime University, Sweden, among other countries to give the cadets Sea Time Experience.
Impressed with the superlative performance of the Mr. Joshua Okpo Administration, particularly in the area of academic excellence orchestrated by staff capacity building and quality infrastructure, the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Chief (Dr.) Godswill Obot Akpabio, has graciously donated 31 hectares of land to the Academy in furtherance of its vision of becoming a world class Maritime University. The land is currently been developed through the special intervention fund by the Federal Government.
On his part, the Minister of Transport, Senator Idris Umar, in his remarks during the Academy’s last Passing out Parade (POP) acknowledged the giant strides of the Rector in Infrastructural Development and Human Capital Development and urged the Rector to continue to strive to fulfill the core mandate of the Academy in producing the needed manpower for the Maritime Industry.
It is on record that the current Rector is the first in the history of Academy to attract the presence of the world Maritime University President, Maritime Experts and Stakeholders in Maritime Industry and members of the House Committee on Marine Transport, National Assembly, Abuja to the Academy.
It is in the light of this development, that all and sundry must rally around the Rector in his determined effort to change the face of the Academy and reposition it for the delight of all.
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