The Concerned South-South Integrity Forum has called on the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, to urgently intervene in an alleged plan by the Acting Rector of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron, Dr Kevin Okonna, to disenroll approximately 100 students over poor academic performance. The group appealed to the minister to halt the proposed action pending a thorough review of the circumstances surrounding the students’ academic records and the procedures being adopted by the institution.
In a statement signed by its President, Initeng Ibongha, and Secretary, Jackbrown Whiteh, the forum expressed concern over reports that the affected students may be withdrawn before the release and consideration of their second-semester results, which ordinarily contribute to their cumulative academic assessment. The group argued that due process, including fair hearing and established academic remedies such as probation and carry-over examinations, should be fully exhausted before any decision on withdrawal is taken.
The forum noted that the proposed mass disenrollment could have severe psychological, emotional and financial consequences for both the students and their parents, many of whom have invested substantial resources and time in pursuit of maritime education. It further observed that such a development comes at a time when Nigeria is contending with economic hardship, insecurity, youth unemployment and other social challenges. According to the group, the possibility of a large number of students failing raises legitimate questions about the quality of instruction, the effectiveness of academic supervision and the overall learning environment within the academy.
While acknowledging the need to uphold international maritime training standards and maintain academic discipline, the forum maintained that students should not be made scapegoats for systemic shortcomings. It stressed that lecturers and management also have a responsibility to ensure that cadets receive adequate training and academic support to meet required standards. The group warned against what it described as a hurried approach to the matter, saying such action could fuel public suspicion and damage the reputation of the institution.
The forum also urged the minister to constitute an independent investigative panel to examine the circumstances surrounding the reported plan, review the academy’s academic processes and ascertain whether all statutory procedures have been followed. It called for greater transparency and accountability in the management of the institution, insisting that any student facing withdrawal should be afforded a fair hearing in line with the provisions of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria Act and established academic regulations.
According to the group, the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, remains a critical national institution established to produce highly skilled maritime professionals capable of meeting both national and international industry standards. It therefore appealed to the academy’s management to adopt measures that balance academic excellence with fairness, compassion and due process, while providing struggling students with opportunities to improve their performance and contribute meaningfully to the growth of Nigeria’s maritime sector.
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