To provide the merchant Navy, the maritime industry and allied industries, qualitative education and training that accords with up-to-date technology, meets national and international standards and satisfies end-user expectations. Also giving outstanding teaching and research Academy, educating and training cadets for Sea life and technology behind this levels.

In 1988, the status of the college was raised by the promulgation Decree No. 16 of 1988 with a statutory mandate to train all levels and categories of personnel required for the effective and efficient operation of all facets of the Nigerian maritime industry.

The Maritime Academy is located at #4, College Road, Oron. The Academy is situated on a vast stretch of land with a waterfront in Oron, Akwa Ibom State on Latitude 4.47'N and Longitude 8.15'E. It is close to the Cross River approaches of the Port of Calabar in Cross River State and about 200 Kilometres from Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The curricula across its degree programs are skill-based and professionally conditioned. To the extent relevant to any given discipline, the Academy fosters a  learning mode which is collaborative, thus enhancing the student's ability to work in teams. MAN's degree programs are supported by appropriate technology and facilities.