The Regional Maritime University has held its 17th congregation ceremony, where 444 students were admitted to degrees and awarded diplomas and prizes.
In addition to friends and families of graduates, students and staff of the school, this year’s colourful ceremony was attended by many dignitaries – including ministers of state from founding nations of the university, and Vice President of Liberia Jewel Taylor.
Awards were also conferred on outstanding students, long serving committee of expert members, alumni and exceptional workers of the institution.
Addressing the congregation, Acting Vice Chancellor of the University Dr. Jethro Brooks Jnr. gave an update of developments in the school, which include a Ghana- Korea RMU Modernisation Project.
“Work on the administration and library complex and a two thousand and two seated capacity auditorium have stalled due to lack of funds. It is our hope that the Government of the Republic of Ghana which is sponsoring the project will endeavour to release funds in a timely manner to ensure early completion of the project. As you are aware, Korea is supporting the government of Ghana to modernise the Regional Maritime University. It is expected that project will begin soon.”
Special Guest of Honor and Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, Professor Pierre Gomez, acknowledged the RMU’s leadership position for the integration of African resources toward sustainable growth.
“Regionalisation and all its inherent benefits such as the harmonisation of resources, skills and ideas remain a plausible action for Africa’s growth and development. RMU is therefore a shining example of such a model that others can use. It is hoped that the pillars of this great union will be further concretised for the actualisation of this institution’s goals.”
The Importers and Exporters Association Executive Secretary, Samson Asaki Awingobit – also a member of the M.A. Ports and Shipping Administration, delivered a valedictory speech.
“We understand, having keenly participated in the various activities of academic processes, some of the issues that this noble and great institution is bedevilled with and require some attention. I wish to assure management of the university that by our training here we have become ambassadors, and will be advocates for the necessary and requisite support and assistance to enable it maintain and enhance the training of maritime professionals in Africa.”
