The Federal Government of Nigeria has named Dr. Kevin Okonna as the Acting Rector of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, following the resignation of Commodore Duja Effedua’s (rtd).
In a letter issued by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, Okonna was urged to leverage his extensive experience in the maritime sector to ensure a smooth transition in the Academy’s evolving status.
Okonna is a seasoned maritime scholar with nearly three decades of dedicated service to the Academy. An alumnus of the World Maritime University (WMU) in Malmo, Sweden, he possesses exceptional academic and professional qualifications from both national and international institutions.
Throughout his career, he has served the academy in pioneering roles, including as the first Head of the Maritime Safety Department, the inaugural Director of the defunct MAN Consultancy Services, and the pioneer Coordinator of the Specialised Seafarers Training Centre, among other significant positions.
During a recent management meeting, the Acting Rector expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve and committed himself to advancing the Academy’s mission.
“I am grateful to God for this opportunity and deeply appreciate the Federal Government, the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola, and other key stakeholders for their support and confidence in me,” he said.
Okonna also reaffirmed his commitment to the Academy’s strategic goals under the leadership of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.
He emphasised the institution’s role in training world-class maritime professionals and its alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to position Nigeria as a global maritime powerhouse and a leader in the blue economy.
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