The Chancellor and Board Chairman of the Regional Maritime University (RMU), Ambassador Alhaji Fanday Turay, has called on graduates to apply the knowledge and skills acquired during their studies to tackle pressing challenges within the maritime industry.

Speaking at the university’s 19th Congregation held in Accra on Saturday, Amb. Turay emphasised the growing importance of maritime education and training in an increasingly complex, interdependent, and connected global economy.

He noted that environmental safety and awareness remain vital to the smooth and efficient operation of ships, international trade and the world economy.

“It is therefore important for graduates to build upon their knowledge, skills and professionalism to lead and transform the global maritime industry,” he said.

The graduation ceremony saw 372 students graduating with Master’s degrees, Bachelor’s degrees and Diplomas across various disciplines.

Amb. Turay also encouraged graduates to maintain and strengthen the networks they built during their time at RMU and to strive for excellence as they progress in their careers.
Recognising the rising demand for maritime education in the subregion, he urged member states to continue their support for the university.

“We commend governments that have contributed to the infrastructural development of RMU and call on others to come on board to help position the university as a global hub for maritime education and training,” he added.

On his part, the Acting Vice Chancellor of RMU, Dr. Jethro W. Brooks Jr., highlighted a significant increase in student enrollment for the 2024/2025 academic year, particularly among female students in the seagoing programme.

“Female enrollment has grown from 35 in the 2023/2024 academic year to 99. Overall, the cadet regiment has increased from 248 to 480,” he noted.

To accommodate the growing student population, Dr Brooks Jr. said the university was seeking support from individuals, organisations and stakeholders in the maritime sector to assist in constructing additional classrooms and hostels.

He also announced that the RMU Board has approved partnerships with estate developers to construct hostels under various arrangements, including build-operate-transfer and build-and-jointly-operate models.

Dr Brooks Jr. expressed appreciation to the Government of Liberia for constructing a two-storey hostel and to the Government of Sierra Leone for funding a virtual classroom project.

He also acknowledged the continued support of companies such as Mitsui Ocean Development and Engineering Company (MODEC), Azar Group and Amet Group.