Standards Organisation of Nigeria - SON

The ceremony also featured cultural performances by the Oron Cultural Group and the Okobo Cultural Group, adding colour and excitement to the occasion.

The vote of thanks was delivered by the Head of Department, Quality Assurance, Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, Dr. Hakeen Lawal, who expressed gratitude to the management of SON, invited guests, and stakeholders for their support and participation in the successful event.

The event concluded with a facilities tour led by the Acting Rector, Dr. Kevin Okonna, and the management of the Academy. Areas visited included the Commodore Duje Effedue (Rtd) Simulation Centre, Multi-Functional Classroom Simulator, Simulation Room (Deck), Jetty, and Survival Pool, all of which demonstrated the Academy’s commitment to practical, competency-based maritime training and international best practices.

Also present at the colourful occasion were the Director, Corporate Affairs, Mrs. Ethan Talatu; HOD SON-MSC, Engr. Obiageli Egbuciem; Chief of Staff to DG, SON, Mr. Uchenna Okafor; SA to the DG, Mr. Martin Akuchie; SA Protocol, Team Lead for the audit Mrs. Ijeoma Ohaemesi; and the Academy’s Client Manager, Miss Elfreda Tamunokuro.

The citation of the Academy was read by the Assistant Director/Group Head, Client Management Services SON-MSC, Mr. Adewumi Oluwasegun, who highlighted the Academy’s historical background, mandate, modern maritime training facilities, contributions to maritime manpower development, and commitment to international best practices in maritime education and training.

In the citation, it was noted that the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, established in 1977 and upgraded in 1988 by Decree No. 16 of 1988, remains Nigeria’s foremost Federal Government-owned maritime training institution under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy. The Academy was commended for maintaining strong compliance with international maritime training standards and contributing to Nigeria’s continued listing on the International Maritime Organization (IMO) White List of countries implementing the provisions of the STCW Convention.

The presentation of the Integrated Management System Certificate was subsequently carried out by the Director General/Chief Executive of SON, followed by the official unveiling of the certificate by the DG/CE SON and the Acting Rector of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron.

In his address, the Director General of SON emphasized the importance of adherence to international standards in promoting quality service delivery, institutional effectiveness, customer satisfaction, and continual improvement. He encouraged the Academy to sustain the implementation of the management systems and continually improve its processes in line with global best practices.

Responding on behalf of the Academy, the Acting Rector appreciated SON for the successful certification process and reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to maintaining the standards and continually improving its educational and operational systems.

The ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System Standard provides a globally accepted framework for improving organizational processes, strengthening operational control, enhancing risk-based thinking, promoting evidence-based decision making, and ensuring customer satisfaction. The implementation of this standard will further strengthen the Academy’s administrative processes, institutional governance, training delivery systems, and service efficiency.

Similarly, the ISO 21001:2025 Educational Organizations Management System Standard specifically addresses the unique requirements of educational institutions. It focuses on ensuring effective educational delivery, learner satisfaction, inclusiveness, competence development, stakeholder engagement, and continual improvement in educational services. By attaining this certification, the Maritime Academy of Nigeria has demonstrated conformity with internationally recognized best practices in educational management and training delivery.

The event commenced with a welcome address delivered by the Acting Rector of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, Dr. Kevin Okonna, who appreciated SON for its support and guidance throughout the certification process. He stated that the Academy benefited from trainings organized by the SON Training Service Department, during which 75 staff members of the Academy were trained, with some trained up to Lead Auditor level. He further explained that the knowledge gained from the training was instrumental in establishing the Quality Management System for the Academy’s operations, leading to the approval and accreditation of its training programmes and courses.

Goodwill messages were delivered by Engr. Kehinde Akinola, Chairman of the Governing Council of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, and the representative of the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, H.E. Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, ably represented by Mr. John Ogwuche. They congratulated the Academy on the successful achievement and commended its commitment to quality and institutional development.

SON PRESENTS INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT SYSTEM CERTIFICATE TO MARITIME ACADEMY OF NIGERIA, ORON, AKWA-IBOM STATE.

The Standards Organisation of Nigeria formally presented the Integrated Management System (IMS) Certificate for ISO 9001:2015 (Quality Management System) and ISO 21001:2025 (Educational Organization Management System) to Maritime Academy of Nigeria on 26th May 2026 at the Academy’s premises in Oron, Akwa Ibom State.

The Director General/Chief Executive of SON, Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke, commended the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, for its commitment to quality education, institutional excellence, and continual improvement through the successful implementation of an Integrated Management System in conformity with ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management Systems and ISO 21001:2025 Educational Organization Management Systems standards.

Today’s event represents yet another significant milestone in the continuous drive towards institutional excellence, quality assurance, international competitiveness, and sustainable development within Nigeria’s maritime education and training sector. I therefore congratulate the Governing Council, Management, Staff, Cadets, and all stakeholders of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria for this remarkable achievement.

The Maritime Academy of Nigeria occupies a strategic and critical position in the development of maritime manpower for Nigeria and the global maritime industry. Since its establishment in 1977 and subsequent upgrade in 1988, the Academy has remained committed to developing highly skilled professionals for merchant shipping, marine engineering, maritime transport operations, logistics, and related maritime services. The Academy’s vision of becoming an internationally recognized centre of excellence in maritime education and training is clearly demonstrated through this certification achievement.

The successful certification of the Academy to ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 21001:2025 standards is a strong indication of Management’s commitment to quality, operational efficiency, customer satisfaction, educational excellence, and continual improvement.

The DG/CE, SON, Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke, paid a courtesy visit to the Permanent Secretary, FMITI, Dr. Isopkunwu Christopher Osaruwanwem, on Friday, 22nd May, 2026, for a briefing on the forthcoming African Quality Mark Award Ceremony.

SON PARTICIPATES IN INAUGURATION OF NEW EXECUTIVES OF OYO STATE CHAPTER OF ATWAP

The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) participated in the inauguration of the newly elected executives of the Oyo State Chapter of the Association of Table Water Producers (ATWAP) held in Ibadan, Oyo State.

Representing the Director General/Chief Executive of SON, Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke, the Oyo State Coordinator, Mrs. Ehiabhi Oluwatoyin, reaffirmed SON’s commitment to collaboration with stakeholders and encouraged compliance with standards to promote quality assurance and industry growth.

She also sensitised members on the Product Identification Scheme (P*S) for MSMEs and informed the association about the temporary suspension of factory inspections for water factories pending the report of the joint SON/ATWAP committee on issues relating to the scheme.

The event featured stakeholder engagement and appreciation for SON’s continuous support in strengthening standards and quality assurance within the water production industry.

SON AND DHIN FORGE STRATEGIC ALLIANCE TO ADVANCE DIGITAL HEALTH STANDARDS

The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and the Digital Health Interoperability Network (DHIN) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen Nigeria’s digital health ecosystem through standards implementation, interoperability, regulatory alignment, and capacity development.

The MoU was signed at the SON Headquarters, Abuja, by the Director General/Chief Executive of SON, Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke, and the Executive Director of DHIN, Dr. Emeka Chukwu.

The partnership will promote the adoption of SON approved standards across electronic medical records, laboratory information systems, telemedicine platforms, and other digital health solutions.

Both organisations will also collaborate on the implementation of internationally aligned standards, capacity building programmes, technical exchanges, and initiatives aimed at improving interoperability, patient safety, quality assurance, and trust within Nigeria’s healthcare ecosystem.

The collaboration aligns with ongoing national digital health reforms under the Nigeria Digital in Health Initiative.

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