By Sandra Chukwunyere
The Rector/Director of the Conarina School of Maritime Transport and Technology, Oria-Abraka in Delta State, Captain (Dr) Anthony Onoharigho, has highlighted the institution’s modern facilities, academic programmes, and practical training approach as part of efforts to attract prospective students and reassure parents about the quality of education and safety standards at the academy.
Speaking in an interview with Newspoint247, Captain Onoharigho explained that the institution provides a structured learning environment designed to equip students with both theoretical knowledge and practical maritime skills.
Onoharigho said the academy offers a variety of programmes, including Marine Engineering, Maritime Transport and Business Studies, Business Administration, Welding and Fabrication, and Computer Science. According to him, the school places strong emphasis on hands-on training across its departments to prepare students for real-life maritime and technical operations.
He also disclosed that the institution is equipped with specialised facilities to support practical learning. These include welding and fabrication workshops, marine engineering laboratories, well-equipped lecture halls, and an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) centre capable of accommodating over 500 candidates, particularly for examination purposes.
The Rector further noted that the institution operates a fully residential system where all students live on campus under the supervision of staff and security personnel. Separate hostel facilities are provided for male and female students, while additional infrastructure projects are currently underway to expand accommodation capacity.
According to him, the academy also maintains adequate health and safety provisions, including a sick bay and first aid services, with arrangements in place for emergency medical referrals when necessary.
He added that the institution exposes students to practical maritime operations using training equipment such as safety boats and life-saving devices, enabling them to learn rescue procedures and vessel handling techniques.
Explaining the academic structure, Onoharigho stated that the institution operates the National Diploma (OND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) system. Students undergo a two-year OND programme, followed by a one-year industrial training period, before returning for a two-year HND programme.
He further noted that admission requirements include a minimum score of 120 in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and at least five O’Level credits, including Mathematics and English Language.
The Rector emphasised that the institution’s certifications are widely recognised within the maritime sector, thereby improving graduates’ employment prospects, particularly in seafaring and other maritime-related industries.
He also stated that the academy maintains a regulated visiting schedule for parents and guardians in order to ensure discipline and proper monitoring of students within the campus environment.
Captain Onoharigho disclosed that admission into the institution is currently ongoing, with application forms available at a cost of N20,000.
Stakeholders in the maritime sector say the growing focus on practical maritime education reflects the increasing demand for skilled manpower in Nigeria’s maritime industry, particularly in areas such as marine engineering, vessel operations, and maritime logistics.
