The Regional Maritime University (RMU) on Tuesday, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Canadian Welding Bureau (CWB) and Corporate Professional Industrial (CPI) Training in Accra to boost global welding certification in Africa.

The MoU and ensuing tripartite collaboration has positioned the RMU as the only CWB-accredited test center in Africa offering globally recognised certification.

The partnership brings together academic excellence, industry certification expertise and professional training capacity under a shared vision while representing a strategic collaboration aimed at advancing skills development, strengthening industry standards and creating new opportunities for growth and innovation.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Acting Vice-Chancellor of RMU, Dr Jethro W. Brooks Jr., noted that the university has built a strong relationship with CPI over the years.

He explained that this collaboration has significantly enhanced maritime education and training, particularly in welding and fabrication under the Vocational Skills Training Center (VSTC) of the RMU.

With the new MoU framework, he expressed confidence that certification standards would improve further with the introduction of additional programmes.

“We look forward to extending this collaboration beyond the current tripartite arrangement to a broader multinational level,” he stated.

Dr Brooks emphasiSed that while formal education was important, skills development remains a key driver of socio-economic growth and must be prioritised.

He added that RMU continued to provide high standards in its welding and fabrication programme and well-positioned to attract students from across Africa and beyond to benefit from its top-notch, CWB-certified facilities.

He expressed optimism that the collaboration would deliver meaningful outcomes and long-term benefits for all stakeholders.

On his part, CPI President, Terry Drabiuk, said the organisation was proud to partner with RMU in bridging the gap between academia and industry.

He noted that CPI would continue to build capacity within academic institutions by enhancing standards and improving instructors’ competencies while supporting the development of certified welders in Ghana.

“We welcome this partnership with RMU and will work to strengthen the link between academia and industry to ensure that students secure employment after training,” he said.

Representing the Government of Ghana, the National Coordinator of the National Apprenticeship Programme (NAP), Dr Nicodemaus Dery, underscored the importance of technical education to national development and commended RMU for its leadership in this area.

“Government is committed to supporting youth empowerment and the partnership between RMU, CPI and CWB is a step in the right direction,” he stated.

He added that the government would continue to collaborate with RMU and other institutions to produce skilled professionals capable of meeting global standards and opportunities.

According to Dr Dery, the initiative represents a transformational pathway for young people in Ghana and a significant boost to the National Apprenticeship Programme.

Also present at the event were the University Registrar, Dr Baboucarr Njie, the Director of Finance, Madam Mary Frances Francis, the Provost, Dr Denis Atehnjia Njumo and the CPI Country Director, Kamil Mohammed.