The Alumni of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN) Oron, AMANO has warned that converting the institution into a conventional university will undermine the specialized skills vital for the growth of the nation’s marine and blue economy.
Speaking in a virtual interview with select maritime journalists, AMANO President, Emmanuel Maiguwa stated that the fresh conversion push by Oron community would distort the professionalism of the institution, adding that the success of the blue economy hinges on competency, that is already in short supply.
Maiguwa who expressed the Alumni’s full support to the academy’s Governing Council in rejecting the conversion, stressed that AMANO’s interest is purely to guarantee competent and skillful manpower to help Nigeria achieve its blue economy objectives.
He questioned the sincerity of the government’s blue economy drive if it’s fails to protect the institution responsible for filling the critical skill gaps required for that growth.
Maiguwa also clarified that the issue of conventional university is not about denying the community development, but prioritizing the national interest, noting that the negative impact of a skill gap at MAN Oron would not only affect the sector’s growth but be felt across every sector of the economy.
He stated that while the community may believe a conventional university would lead to growth, the notion prioritizes local development beyond the development of the country.