By Abiola Olawale
The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced the appointment of Dr Kevin Okonna as the acting Rector of Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN) Oron in Akwa Ibom.
This was made known in a press statement issued on Monday by the Head of Public Affairs of the Academy, Mrs Domo Umoekpe, in Uyo, Akwa Ibom.
Umoekpe stated that Okonna’s appointment was conveyed in a letter issued by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola, on behalf of the Federal Government.
The appointment takes immediate effect, following the resignation of the former rector, Commodore Duja Effedua (rtd) from the academy.
She said the minister urged Okonna to bring his extensive wealth of experience in the maritime sector to bear on his new role.
She added that with the appointment of the acting rector, the academy would continue to contribute effectively to the realisation of the ministry’s vision and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
The statement reads in part: “Okonna is a distinguished maritime scholar with about three decades of dedicated service to the Academy.
“He holds impressive educational and professional credentials from recognised national and international institutions, including world maritime university, Malmo Sweden.
“Having risen through the ranks, he has served the Academy in various capacities.
“These include being pioneer Head of Maritime Safety Department, pioneer Director of the defunct MAN Consultancy Services, pioneer Director of Strategy and Research and Development Directorate.
“Also, a distinguished member of the Nautical Institute (NI), UK, and Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT).”
