President of the association , Engr. Greg Ogbeifun,who disclosed this during a pre Passing out Parade lecture said the academy has supplied reliable manpower over the years.
The President lauded the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN) Oron for producing quality graduates to serve the industry.
Ogbeifun, who is also the Chief Executive of Starzs Marine Limited, an indigenous boat building and repair company, added that most people who talk down on the academy are ignorant about it.
He said “Most people who talk down on this academy and her products don’t even know the road to this place.
They have never been here and they have no idea about the training you receive” he told the graduands.
Also speaking at the event, Capt. Sunday Umoren, Head Maritime Safety and Seafarers Standards of Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) described himself as an excadet that enjoyed glorious days in the industry.
Umoren, an alumnus of MAN Oron, told budding sailors that he benefitted from a better organized maritime industry where the defunct Nigeria National Shipping Line (NNSL) had ships that accommodated cadets of the academy.
He said training vessels are good but not a necessity to successfully run maritime training institutions.
He added that aside experience acquired onboard training ships,it is necessary to have students train with real cargo ships.
“If you train for 9 months in a training ship , you will still be required to spend 3 months onboard a cargo vessel in South Africa”
Umoren opined that ownership of a national carrier is the best option to achieve mass practical training for seatime experience.
Also speaking at the event, Semiu Akorede, General Eco Marine Terminals, Calabar Free Port, urged graduating students to optimistic of a better future.
Akorede said a world of infinite opportunities awaits graduates of the academy as the industry holds expanding opportunities.
Cadets of the academy were full of encomium for the Rector, Cdr. Emmanuel Duja Effedua for improving on the quality of training and standards for them.
Part of their joy was premised on the recent mobilization of graduates of MAN Oron in the National Youths Service Corps (NYSC) Scheme. This prepares them for onshore and offshore job responsibilities.
The 2018 PoP which is coming after over 6 years when the last one was held , will feature presentation of Ordinary and Higher National Diplomas as well as presentation of awards to some deserving students found worthy in character and learning.
The academy is Nigeria’s premier maritime training institution established some 40 years ago sitting in the Town of Oron, Akwa Ibom state.