A Institution Built on Maritime Experience, Not Just Theory
Marine & Oceans Academy was founded to close the gap between classroom maritime education and the operational realities of ports, ships, and admiralty courts.
What We Stand For
"As a global center of excellence for post-graduate law of the sea and maritime law education, Marine & Oceans Academy's mission is to be the world's center of excellence in law of the sea, oceans and maritime studies, professional training and research, while building global capacity and promoting sustainable blue economic development."
In practice, this means specialist training across Maritime Law, Freight Forwarding, Health, Safety & Environment, Oceans Law & Policy, Marine Insurance, Oil & Gas, Ship Sale & Purchase, Stevedoring, Terminal Operations, and Oceans Science & Technology — delivered by practising professionals rather than classroom theorists alone. It also means an ongoing commitment to research: we work to push back the boundaries of knowledge in the maritime industry, and to put those discoveries to work for the professionals and communities we train.
"To inspire leadership and innovation for a sustainable marine and oceans future."
We pursue this by training officers, executives, and policy-makers who are equipped to lead responsibly in maritime law, port operations, and ocean governance — and by strengthening a global network of law-of-the-sea, marine, and oceans expertise. That network is reflected in our capacity-building relationship with the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) in Hamburg, Germany, and in our continued push toward sustainable blue economic development for the industry and the communities connected to it.
The Principles Behind Our Work
Academic Excellence
Achieving the highest possible standards in teaching, learning and research.
Innovation
Developing innovative and interdisciplinary approaches to all areas of activity.
A Caring Community
Creating a diverse, caring and supportive environment where every student and member of staff can reach their full potential.
Sustainable Blue Economic Development
Providing research and teaching that gives students, professionals and communities the skills necessary for sustainable blue economic development and growth.
Gender Equality
Working towards gender equality in every aspect of our activities, in support of women in the marine and oceans sectors worldwide.
Leadership
Leading global research on the sustainable use of the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable blue economic development.
A Global Network
Enhancing our global network of law of the sea, marine and oceans expertise.
Led by Practitioners of the Industry
The Academy is governed and directed by professionals who have held command, legal, or executive roles in the maritime sector.
Hon. Justice Ifiok Ukana (Rtd.)
Chairman, Governing Council
B. E. I. Nwofor, SAN
Chancellor
Kingsley Ekwere, PhD
RectorDr. Kingsley Ekwere serves as Rector of Marine & Oceans Academy, providing academic and strategic leadership across the Academy's maritime training and research programmes.
Elder Friday Ekpo
Trustee
Ofonime Ekwere, BPharm, BChem
Administrative & Finance DirectorOfonime Ekwere oversees the Academy's administrative and financial operations as Administrative and Finance Director.
Gideon Kingsley
IT Director and Acting RegistrarGideon Kingsley serves as IT Director and Acting Registrar at Marine & Oceans Academy, overseeing the Academy's information technology systems, student records, and registry operations.
Mr. Namso Ekpo
Coordinator, Eket CentreA Treatise on the Law of the Sea
A Treatise on the Law of the Sea
A Treatise on the Law of the Sea is a legal text providing comprehensive analysis of the rules governing human activity at sea.
Buy on SelarLife at Marine & Oceans Academy
A look at our centres, classrooms, and people. Scroll sideways to see more.
Rector Addressing an Industry Forum
Dr. Kingsley Ekwere speaking on collaboration and industry engagement at a public forum.
Media Feature: The Middle Page
Rector Kingsley Ekwere, PhD, featured as an Ocean/Maritime Law Expert.
Niger Delta Blue Economy Summit 2026
The Rector on a panel discussing blue economy potentials for sustainable development in the Niger Delta.
Guests at an Academy Event
Uniformed officers and dignitaries in attendance at an Academy-linked event.
Maritime Facility Site Visit
Academy representatives during an on-site visit to a maritime vessel.
Nigerian Ports Authority Visit
The team outside the Nigerian Ports Authority Administration Building, Onne.
Nigerian Bar Association Meeting
The Rector and team at a general meeting of the Nigerian Bar Association, Uyo Branch.
Certificate Presentation
A certificate handover during an Academy engagement.
Ready to Join the Next Cohort?
Review the curriculum in detail or begin your application for the September 2026 intake.