Maritime Academy Upgrade Could Weaken Nigeria's Economy

Prof. Emmanuel Onwioduokit, responding to Kehind Akinola's remarks about upgrading the Maritime Academy of Nigeria to a university, argues that such a move could weaken the country's maritime training system. Onwioduokit insists that the upgrade is based on unfounded assumptions and that global maritime education standards demonstrate that combining academic degree programs with professional training can be successful.

He cites examples from institutions like the World Maritime University in Sweden and the Korea Maritime and Ocean University. Onwioduokit highlights Nigeria's lack of specialized maritime universities as a significant gap that limits its ability to produce critical maritime professionals.

He notes that the current structure of the Maritime Academy restricts growth in degree awards and research opportunities. He advocates for the upgrade to unlock accreditation opportunities and improve global partnerships, ultimately enhancing Nigeria's maritime sector and contributing to the economy.