By  EDET OKPO

It is obvious that a new wind of change has been blowing in the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, ever since Dr. Mkpandiok Ante Mkpnadiok emerged as acting Rector. Indeed, the rebirth taking place in the institution has not come as a surprise especially close observers who already know his service antecedents and had prophesied about sweeping changes that were to come in the shortest possible time.   

On my part, I still can recall some of the pointers to what was to come in the acting Rector’s memorable remarks when he took over: ‘I have been around long enough in this system to personally know and feel the pains of Cadets and Staff of the Academy. With due recognition and appreciation for the achievements by previous administrations, there can be no pretentions that the vision and dreams of the founding fathers of this great citadel of learning have been stunted and therefore must be revived holistically as a tribute to the past and as a worthy legacy for posterity. Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, must become a global competitor in all ramifications. This can only be done with effective and efficient leadership. This is what I can say for now’.

Within a short time, available evidence has justified the choice of  Mkpandiok  and also proved him as a man whose words can be taken as his bond. His strategic prioritization has seen him strive to interpret and combine the dynamics of Douglas McGregor’s X and Y theory with Abraham Maslow’s theory of human needs – the physiological, security, social, esteem and self-actualization – for the diverse components of the Academy’s composite communities. That is why and how he has been able to effectively manage both the organizational and personal spaces. The following testimonies by staff, members of the host communities, groups, government representatives and the general public over Dr. Mkpandiok Mkpandiok’s resulted-oriented administration are added proofs to the fact.

Following the latest inspection/facility tour of the Academy by the House of Representatives Committee on Maritime Safety, Education and Administration, the Chairman of the Committee, Mr. Mohammed Bago, made the following comments: “Mkpandiok Ante Mkpandiok has upped the ante of performance and demonstrated unflinching commitment to the development of this Academy. When we came here last year, some structures were at their various levels of dilapidation, the environment was littered with abandoned projects and facilities were outdated. We however have observed with great delight during the current visit that Mkpandiok has taken practical steps to complete some projects abandoned many years ago, renovated many buildings and upgraded facilities to enhance Cadets training. Because of this, you can be assured that we will support you to do more for the Academy” – (The Leadership Newspaper, Monday, May 29, 2017, p. 40).

Largely based on performance and the prospects he holds out, other individuals and groups have applauded Dr. Mkpandiok Mkpandiok’s giant strides. For instance, a group called, “Conference of Oro Youth Leaders” (COYOL), Akwa Ibom State, in collaboration with Coalition of Civil Societies of Nigeria, in a press conference it held in Abuja on Wednesday, June 21, 2017 made the following observations: “Our findings and open interaction with staff and members of the host communities have proven that Dr. Mkpandiok Mkpandiok has, by virtue of his inclusive leadership and administrative expertise, brought a breath of fresh air to the Academy. This has won him the unsolicited goodwill and support of the people.

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He has stabilized the Academy through his probity and dedication to duties, robust network of public relations, reaction and completion of abandoned projects, staff training/retraining and promotion” (The Nigerian Tribune, Tuesday, 4 July, 2017, p. 33). Based on this, the group, as a matter of fact, pleaded that Dr. Mkpandiok Mkpandiok be allowed to continue and be duly confirmed as substantive Rector of the Academy”.

Still on grounds of appreciation for the  achievements recorded by Dr. Mkpandiok Mkpandiok and the need for sustainable incentives for better performance, members of Akpakip Eyo Abasi Youth Association, in an article published in Daily Sun, Tuesday, August 1, 2017, p. 8; Leadership Newspaper, Thursday, June 22, 2017, p. 14.), remarked: “The entire Youth of Eyo-Abasi Community hereby plead that you use your good offices to engender swift political and legislative moves towards the confirmation of Mr. M. A. Mkpandiok as substantive Rector of the present Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, while the bill is in the process of receiving Executive Assent to the envisaged Federal University of Maritime Studies. This is because of his towering recognition of the Host Community and giant strides in the areas of infrastructural development, programme and project executions in the institution since inception as Acting Rector”. –

The leadership and administrative exploits of Dr. Mkpandiok Mkapndiok cannot be a mark of mediocrity. Aware of the expectations, he is consistently enhancing and augmenting his intellectual capacities. In July 2017, at the University of Lagos, the European American University (EAU) of Dominca conferred a Doctor of Arts Degree in Educational Administration and Leadership (Ph-D) on Dr. Mkpandiok Mkpandiok. A statement by the European American University authority had emphasized that Mkapndiok was so conferred with the degree because of his virtues, achievements and positive impact on humanity.    

To be concluded

Okpo writes from Oron