Discontent is brewing at the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron, where staff allege years of neglect, poor welfare, and stalled career growth amid uncertainty over the institution’s status.
Sources said that many employees have spent over a decade without promotion, with the last promotion exercise conducted in 2021. Principal officers, including the Registrar, Bursar, Librarian, and several directors, have reportedly served in acting roles for nearly 10 years. Acting Rector, Dr. Kelvin Okonna, has exceeded the six-month limit stipulated by civil service rules, having spent eight months in office.
At the heart of the crisis is the unresolved question of whether MAN Oron should remain a specialised monotechnic or transition to a university. Although the National Assembly passed a bill in 2021 upgrading it to the University of Maritime Studies Oron (UMSO), industry experts and MAN alumni warned that the conversion could lead to Nigeria losing its international maritime accreditation.
In a letter to President Bola Tinubu, MAN alumni argued that maritime training requires strict adherence to International Maritime Organisation (IMO) standards. “A shift from its specialised framework could lead to a loss of certification and recognition,” the letter read.
While the Federal Government has reportedly decided to revert MAN Oron to its original status, the move has triggered outrage from the Oron community and the Oro Youth Movement, which has warned of political consequences. Meanwhile, staff remain stuck in limbo, lamenting low pay compared to sister agencies like NIMASA and NPA.
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