Dr. Ukpai, Ukpai Eni is a Nigerian academic and maritime management specialist, currently serving as a Senior Lecturer at the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, Akwa Ibom State. He is from Asaga, Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State. He holds a Ph.D. in Educational Management and Planning from the University of Uyo and a Master of Science in Maritime Business and International Logistics from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. He is presently undertaking a Ph.D. in Maritime Business Management at UNN. Dr. Ukpai’s interdisciplinary background positions him at the intersection of education, maritime business, logistics, and policy analysis. His scholarly interests include maritime security management, trade competitiveness, port efficiency, institutional governance, and sustainable blue economy strategies in developing economies, with a particular focus on Nigeria and the Gulf of Guinea. He is driven by the goal of contributing to policy-relevant research and institutional reforms that strengthen maritime governance and economic development. Beyond academia, he is passionate about mentoring young professionals, academic writing, policy discourse, and community development, and he upholds values of integrity, discipline, and service.