Accra: The Regional Maritime University (RMU) has made an earnest appeal to stakeholders within the maritime industry to assist in the construction of additional classrooms and hostel facilities to accommodate the growing number of students. This request comes in response to the rising demand for Maritime Education and Training (MET) due to the promising employment opportunities awaiting graduates in the field.
According to Ghana News Agency, Dr. Jethro W. Brooks, the Acting Vice-Chancellor of RMU, made this appeal during the university's 19th Congregation in Accra, where 372 students were awarded degrees and diplomas. The graduates included 66 Master's degree recipients, 231 with Bachelor's degrees, and 52 who received diplomas. Notably, 17% of the undergraduates earned First Class honours, while 49% and 27% achieved Second Class Upper and Lower Division degrees, respectively. Among diploma candidates, 17% obtained Distinction and 44% secured Second Class Upper Division.
Dr. Brooks highlighted the significant increase in enrolment during the 2024/2025 academic sessions, particularly among female students in the sea-going programme. Female enrolment rose to 99 students, up from 35 in the previous academic year. Overall, the cadets' regiment expanded to 480, compared to 248 previously.
The Vice-Chancellor also mentioned that the University Board had approved a plan to engage with estate developers for constructing hostels. These could be built on a build-operate-and-transfer or build-and-jointly-operate basis, ensuring mutual benefits for all parties involved. Additionally, Dr. Brooks expressed gratitude to the government and people of the Republic of Liberia for their contribution to a two-storey student hostel, set to be operational by the 2025/2026 academic year. He also urged the Liberian government to consider adding two more floors to the structure.
He advised the new graduates to embody innovation in their careers and emphasized the importance of maintaining high moral standards and a spirit of service as they embark on their professional journeys.
Alhaji Fanday Turay, the Chancellor of RMU, underscored the university's role in advancing sustainable growth in the shipping and maritime sectors, facilitated by substantial research work. He acknowledged the critical support from generous donors and international partners, without whom the university's operations would be challenging amidst global budgetary constraints.
