August 18, (THEWILL) – The Vice Chancellor of the Nigeria Maritime University, NMU, Okerenkoko, Prof. Emmanuel Adigio has eulogised the Rector of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, (MAN) Oron, Commodore Emmanuel Duja Effedua (Rtd.), for his efforts at repositioning the premier maritime education institution within his short stay in office.
The VC, who made the remarks during the educational tour of NMU Cadets to the Academy on Tuesday, commended the rate of transformation in the Academy and classified the quality of educational and infrastructural facilities put in place as second to none in the country.
Odigio, who was represented at the event by the Dean, School of Maritime Transport and Logistics, Dr. Victor Omok, hinted that the class of leaders in the likes of Effedua are what Nigeria desired, adding that the country needed to replicate his likes in every sector of the economy for speedy positive changes.
He said: “I visited the Academy few years ago and it is nothing compared to what I have seen today, the transformation is massive. In fact, this is the kind of leaders Nigerians have been praying for, I believe productivity, efficiency and transparency is a rare trait in leadership and should be lauded if found in any leader.
“In Nigerian people crave for second term even when they did not achieve much in their first tenure, I am of the opinion that second term should be considered on the strength of one’s performance during the first term, I want to add that from all indications you deserve a second term.”
He explained that the aim of the educational tour was to expose cadets to hands-on experience in the maritime industry and therefore expressed his management’s desire to collaborate with the academy in the area of training, since the academy has the required facilities that would help them achieve this objective.
In his remarks, the Rector attributed his achievements in the academy to the cooperation of his staff and management, saying that he was able to achieve all what he has achieved so far with the funds he got from blocking financial loopholes that existed in the system before he took over as Rector.
Effedua advised the NMU cadets to shun acts of cultism and other vices inimical to their studies and future to justify the confidence their parents reposed on them.
Considering the fact that both institutions have similar mandates, the Rector suggested that collaboration in the area of training would be a welcome development since NMU cadets would have the opportunity of taking advantage of the state-of-the-art educational facilities in the academy to enhance their practical training.
As part of its contribution to fasttrack the partnership process the Effedua said the academy would offer free accommodation and reduced fees for NMU cadets.
He said: “Initially when I was appointed the Rector I was ashamed because of how the academy was, but then we worked day and night and I am happy to say that we have made significant changes.
“Your school can take advantage of the facilities we have here, likewise mine, whatever we can do for your school to help develop the maritime industry would be done, our doors are open.”
Facilities visited included Fire Bay, MAN Jetty, Multi-Function Classroom Simulator, Full Mission Bridge Engine Simulator, Full Mission Bridge Deck Simulator, ICT and Resource Centre, Survival Training and Swimming Pool, Smart Classrooms and Cadets Hostels.
