Okon Bassey in Uyo
About eight months after the demise of the Rector of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron in Akwa Ibom state, Ambassador Joshua Enun Okpo, the Institution has again been thrown into deep mourning as the acting Rector Dr Anthony Anayo Ishiodu died.
Dr. Ishiodu was said to have died from an undisclosed terminal ailment at the Abuja Medical Center last week; few weeks after returning from a medical trip abroad.
The management, staff, cadets and students of the Academy reportedly cut short a Solemn Assembly cut short the gathering and called for emergency meeting when news of Ishiodu’s death reached the institution.
At the emergency meeting, the Registrar of the Institution, Mr. Mkpandiok A. Mkpandiok briefed the management of the development. While the Registrar lamented the unfortunate incident, the management team, staff, cadets, students and the maritime community expressed shock at the devastating news.
Already, the management has declared a 7-day mourning period in his honour while all staff and cadets were expected to strap black arm-bands during the mourning period.
About five weeks ago the acting Rector proceeded to England for treatment, after he was granted permit by the Federal Government and returned to Nigeria less than a forth-night ago.
Late Dr Ishiodu was the first ex-cadet to have risen to the high office of Rector in the institution. He was appointed acting Rector in December, 2015 following the sudden death of his predecessor in office, Ambassador Okpo.
Late Dr. Ishiodu would be remembered for sanitizing the institution, the projection, promotion and enhancement of cadets’ affairs and curricula review during the seven months that his reign lasted.
Besides being an ex-cadet of the Marine Engineering of the school, he was further trained in the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport, Alexandria, Egypt; and obtained PhD from the University of Calabar, Cross River State.
Meanwhile, the Academy last Wednesday sent a high-powered delegation of management team including the Registrar, Directors and Heads of Department to console the family of late Ishiodu.
The team was received by the brother of the deceased, Mr. Okwosha Barry on behalf of the family at the family house in Egwu community in Oguta, Imo State.
Barry was happy over the display of love, respect and concern shown by the academy and urged the management team to stand by the family in ensuring a befitting burial for their son.
