Jubilation in Oron as MAN Oron Rector resigns, gives way for take-off of UMSO

Intense jubilation has enveloped the five local government areas of Oro Nation in Akwa Ibom State, following the sudden resignation of the Rector, Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron, Commodore Duja Emmanuel Effedua (Retd), who still had over a year left in his second term.

Reports from impeccable sources confirmed that Effedua had on Wednesday, November 13, tendered his resignation over what he called, “personal reasons”.

In a letter he submitted to the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy headquarters in Abuja, Effedua cited personal reasons for his departure.

He expressed the belief that it was the right time to move on, stating, “I have done what I was asked to do in terms of setting standards at the nation’s premier maritime training institution. It’s best to leave when the ovation is loudest, not when they ask you to leave.”

While Effedua’s resignation may have surprised many within the Academy, it came as a relief to others who had been critical of his administration.

Allegations of high-handedness, inappropriate conduct, staff oppression, and a lack of moral judgment marred his tenure.

Effedua was also accused of hindering the Academy’s transition into a university, despite the passage of a law renaming it the University of Maritime Studies (UMSO).

It would be recalled that in a 2022 ruling, an Uyo High Court issued a perpetual injunction against Effedua, preventing him from using his military influence to threaten investigative journalist, Fejiro Oliver, Editor-in-Chief of Secret Reporters News.

This followed complaints of intimidation and harassment by Effedua towards Oliver, with the court ordering the payment of damages to the journalist.

Recall also that after due legislative processes leading to the passage of the Maritime University Bill by both Chambers of the National Assembly, together with the assent by former President Muhammadu Buhari, Effedua may have initially succeeded to kill the dream of transitioning the Academy into a University.

In August 2024, the Rector approved advertisement of admission forms for National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) for the 2024/2025 academic year.

However, stakeholders may have foiled Effedua’s master plans by calling on the National Assembly to enforce the implementation of the Maritime University.

Speaking with WatchmanPost on Thursday, a staff of the institution who pleaded anonymity said the high spirit that greeted Oro Nation upon the news of his resignation, was not the same in the institution, as workers were seen in low spirits.

He said they learnt that the Rector had resigned, but that they were not sure of the authenticity.

Meanwhile, an activist and President, Oro Liberation Youth Movement, Comrade Victor Mkpofor has appealed to the federal government to swiftly intervene and appoint the University’s vice chancellor and governing council.

Victor Mkpofor said doing so would ensure that there is no vacuum in the administration of the institution, while paving the way for the smooth take-off of the University of Maritime Studies, Oron.