By Samuel Abasiekong-Abasiekong
The Maritime Academy of Nigeria, MAN, Oron passed out 157 cadets found worthy in character and learning in a colourful 2023 Passing-Out-Parade, POP.
In the ceremony, 66 cadets graduated with Higher National Diploma (HND) and 91 with National Diploma (ND) earning certificates in Maritime Transport and Business Management, Marine Engineering, Nautical Science, Electrical Electronics Engineering and Maritime Transport and Business Studies.
In his remarks to mark the ceremony, the Rector, Cmdre. Duja Emmanuel Effeduah (Rtd), charged the graduands to be good ambassadors of the Academy, saying, “Don’t ever misrepresent the Academy as you leave this place to a larger society, keep the flag flying and chart a good course for your lives and you will benefit from the training and discipline we have inculcated in you”.
Speaking through the Registrar, Mr Peter M Netson, who was also the Parade Review Officer, the Rector underscored his efforts and giant strides within the six years of his administration, in areas of cutting-edge training facilities, standard curriculum, infrastructural renaissance, enhanced welfare, discipline and capacity building, urging the graduating cadets to make the Academy proud.
Speaking with our correspondent, the Registrar of the Academy, Mr P. M. Netson said that Academy adheres strictly to the International Maritime Organization’s IMO standard for admitting cadets per stream.
According to him, “Cmdre Effedua (Rtd) has changed the narrative in the administration of the premier maritime institution by reorienting the mindsets and attitudes of staff against, sanitized the academy of indiscipline and the bad eggs, shown the way out”.
Also the Regimental Unit Commander, Lt Commander DN Danabaji said discipline in maritime is paramount and has to be enforced to get the best out of the cadets, tThe Academy has transformed human beings, moulded characters and instilled discipline.
On behalf of the graduating cadets, the Chief Cadet Captain, Ofem Godwin Uwem, said “training in the Academy has been another phase of life of great experience which has made us stronger, disciplined and self-reliant”. He commended the Rector for the huge transformation through conducive learning ambience, standard academic curriculum and state-of-the-art equipment for training. He expressed delight over their successful passing out ceremony.
The Passing-out-Parade which was transmitted live on youtube, and other social media platforms featured silent drill, slow and fast march past attracted a cross section of the Academy Community.
