Govt may investigate MAN Oron’s alleged N8bn jetty, swimming pool projects

There are strong indications that the federal government possibly will investigate the alleged decision of the management of Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN) in Oron, Akwa Ibom State to spend closed to N8 billion in the building of jetty and swimming pool in two years.

A source close to the Federal Ministry of Transport, who pleaded anonymity, alleged that despite the huge amount spent on both projects, the management did not record any meaningful achievement, and this development that may have informed the decision of the government to probe the entire contract.

The source further disclosed that the government is not happy that the school, which was established since 1978, is yet to stabilise, as it is still struggling to achieve adequate training for Nigerian seafarers.

Investigation into the project shows that the N8 billion constitutes part of the five percent statutory revenue allocated to the Academy by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and it serves as a source of fund to the academy.

According to the source, the management of MAN has not paid adequate attention to the development of the academy especially as regards to the acquisition of the needed equipment such as training vessel for practical training of the cadets.

“There is infrastructure decay at MAN, Oron as students are denied the basic amenities for teaching and learning. The management has also suddenly increased the tuition fee by over 90 percent.  Our students are withdrawing gradually because of the hike in tuition fee introduced by management”, the source lamented

It was gathered that academy management increased the tuition and other fees by 100 per cent with effect from the 2014/2015 session. Details of the increase show that before now, the National Diploma (ND I) and higher National Diploma (HNDI) cadets paid N100,702, while ND II and HND II paid N61,340.

Further details show that with the increase, ND I and HND I students now pay N200,704, while ND II and HND II cadets will pay N121,980.

A stakeholder in the maritime industry, who also pleaded anonymity, alleged that nearly 35 years after its establishment, cadets of the academy have no access to basic teaching equipment, a development that does not promote high standards required of an institution of that age.

“Everyone knows that this is a federal government-owned institution and we expect the tuition fees not to be on the high side and as one would expect, those parents that cannot afford such fees would have their wards withdrawn”, the stakeholder bemoaned.

The stakeholder therefore made a strong case for a total overhauling of the management structure to enhance probity and accountability in the academy in the interest not only of the students but also for the maritime industry, which it was established to build capacity for. “It is a sad story that more than 35 years after the establishment of the academy, the manpower training gaps that gave rise for its establishment are still visible in the country.”

UZOAMAKA ANAGOR-Ewuzie