By Mahmoud Kamara-Information Officer MoTA
Accra, Ghana — The 19th Congregation of the Regional Maritime University (RMU), held on the university’s Parade Grounds in Accra, was a celebration of academic excellence, maritime vision, and regional cooperation. The keynote address was delivered by Rtd. Col. Ambassador Alhaji Fanday Turay Esq., Chair of the RMU Board of Governors and Chancellor of the University, who also serves as Sierra Leone’s Minister of Transport and Aviation.
In his stirring address, Ambassador Turay called on graduates to become leaders in driving Africa’s maritime transformation. Emphasizing discipline, resilience, and a commitment to sustainability, he told the Class of 2025:
“It is now up to you to make the most of what you have earned here at RMU, by leading the maritime community of today towards a sound and sustainable tomorrow. May the winds be fair, the tides favorable, and the seas calm—and if none of these are possible, may you have the strength to weather whatever storms life throws in your path.”
The ceremony celebrated 372 graduates—66 at the master’s level, 231 with bachelor’s degrees, and 52 diploma holders—from across the region. This year’s class stood out for its academic strength, with 17 percent earning First Class Honors and nearly 49 percent attaining Second Class Upper Division.
Among the outstanding graduates was Monica Nancy Candny, a Liberian student who earned a First-Class Honors in BSc Marine Engineering—a program long dominated by male counterparts. Beaming with pride, Monica said:
“Today I graduate with a First-Class degree in Marine Engineering. This journey has not been easy, but through hard work and the grace of God, I made it. I hope to inspire more women to take up careers in this field.”
Another graduate, Kwabena Adjei, who earned a Second Class Upper in Nautical Science, praised RMU for its rigorous training and diverse learning environment:
“RMU has prepared us not only to navigate ships but to navigate life. The discipline, the multicultural friendships, the hands-on training—I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”
Acting Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Jethro W. Brooks Jnr., announced several institutional reforms and achievements, including a notable increase in female cadet enrollment—from 35 to 99 within one academic year—and the expansion of the university’s cadet regiment from 248 to 480.
He also unveiled a mandatory four-year cadetship program beginning in the 2025/2026 academic year, designed to enhance student readiness for sea-going careers. The program will include uniform regulations, physical training, and practical exposure through simulators and onboard assignments.
“We are raising the bar, not just in academic achievement but in professional readiness,” Dr. Brooks emphasized. “The maritime industry demands excellence, and RMU is committed to delivering it.”
Supporting this effort, the university showcased new infrastructure upgrades including a GMDSS lab, modern simulators, cadet hostels funded by the Government of Liberia, and newly donated engineering equipment.
Ambassador Turay’s presence and leadership as Chancellor reinforced Sierra Leone’s commitment to maritime excellence. Under his guidance, RMU continues to strengthen its reputation as a center of excellence for West Africa and beyond.
“The Regional Maritime University is not just an institution,” he remarked. “It is a strategic platform for building the capacity of our region to manage, protect, and harness the potential of our seas.”
The event concluded with a vibrant display of cadet drills, traditional performances, and emotional celebrations by proud families and friends, symbolizing a new wave of hope and determination within the maritime community.
