Maritime Academy Graduates 221 Cadets, Securing Instant Industry Jobs

The Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron, recently graduated 221 cadets in a 2025 Passing Out Parade (POP) that quickly transformed into a high-stakes recruitment event. Seventy top-performing students were instantly headhunted by maritime operators, receiving immediate job offers, sea-time training placements, and significant cash awards.

The ceremony, held from November 10 to 13, saw companies intensely compete for the academy's best talents, with several firms offering lucrative incentives, including N1 million cash prizes alongside job placements.

Dr. Kevin Okonna, the Acting Rector and Parade Review Officer, charged the graduates to embody the values of "discipline, integrity, and excellence" throughout their careers, emphasizing that their rigorous training had prepared them for global roles. He commended the academy’s management, staff, and the Nigerian Navy for upholding high training standards and noted the graduates' "rare privilege" of interacting with IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez during his recent visit.

As the highest achievers were announced, industry stakeholders were quick to act:

• Starzs Investment Limited offered five cadets immediate employment, additional training, and N1 million each upon resumption.

• Sea Transport Services Limited hired five cadets and presented cash prizes to eight exceptional performers.

• Aron Energy Services Limited offered two job placements and awarded N1 million each to three cadets.

• The Shipowners Association of Nigeria (SOAN) committed to providing sea-time training slots for 50 cadets, directly supporting their pathway into practical industry experience.

In further recognition of excellence, the Senate Committee on Marine Transport Chairman, Senator Wasiu-Sanni Eshinlokun, offered cash gifts to seven high-achieving cadets. The Academy's Alumni Association also honoured the best HND graduate, Bethel Chibuike Azubuike, and the best ND graduate, Lawrence Chisom Anita, with cash prizes.

Senator Eshinlokun pledged the National Assembly's commitment to strengthening the academy, while House Committee representative Bareje Yusuf promised improved budgetary support. In an international gesture, Prof. Jethro Broke, Vice Chancellor of the Regional Maritime University, Ghana, offered postgraduate admission opportunities to the two best graduating cadets.

Acting Rector Okonna concluded by reaffirming MAN Oron's dedication to producing seafarers who can meet the demands of the global maritime sector, a commitment that was clearly demonstrated by the unprecedented industry response to the 2025 graduating class.