Accra: Effect from the 2025/2026 academic year, the Regional Maritime University (RMU) will introduce a four-year mandatory cadetship for all students pursuing sea-going programmes as well as other interested students. Students will be part of the regiment during their first two years of study, known as level 100 and 200. Due to inadequate accommodation, students in levels 300 and 400 may have the option of staying in either the University's hostel or a private hostel.
According to Ghana News Agency, Dr. Jethro W. Brooks, Acting Vice-Chancellor of RMU, made this announcement at the university's 19th Congregation in Accra. The graduation ceremony celebrated 372 students who earned Master's, bachelor's degrees, and Diplomas in various fields. The graduates included 66 master's degree recipients, 231 bachelor's degree holders, and 52 diploma awardees.
Seventeen percent of the undergraduates graduated with First Class honours, while 49 percent achieved Second Class Upper Division, and 27 percent obtained Second Class Lower Division degrees. Among the diploma candidates, 17 percent earned Distinction and 44 percent achieved Second-Class Upper Division.
The Vice-Chancellor emphasized that students will be regulated to uphold and solidify the values instilled in them. He stated, "To this end, all level 300 and 400 sea-going students will be uniformed, undertake regular physical training, and will be subjected to all the rules and regulations governing Cadetship." He also noted that graduates of the B.Sc. Electrical/Electronic Engineering program will go to sea after completing their studies.
The RMU's Academic Council has determined that starting from the 2025/2026 academic year, applicants admitted into these programs at both Bachelor's and Diploma levels will undergo the four-year mandatory cadetship. Special programs will be developed to accommodate weekend students, many of whom are working professionals.
Dr. Brooks highlighted various projects initiated by the university to enhance the teaching, learning, and research environment. These projects include a fully refurbished Global Maritime Distress and Safety System Laboratory, an Ultra-Modern Video Conference Room funded by Sierra Leone, and a new hostel funded by Liberia. Additional resources include functional ship engines for the Department of Marine Engineering and a training boat donated by Mitsui Ocean Development and Engineering Company (MODEC) Limited.
The Vice-Chancellor noted that the university is closely monitoring the government's 'Skills for Export' policy aimed at providing youth with employable skills for both local and international markets. Collaborations with the Ministry of Transport and other institutions are underway to issue a major policy statement in the near future.
Following the successful International Blue Economy Conference held in The Gambia, RMU is developing new programs in Blue Economy and related maritime fields. These new offerings include M.Phil., M.Sc., and M.A. in Blue Economy, M.Sc. Maritime Law, M.Sc. Nautical Science, M.Sc. Marine Engineering, and a PhD in Maritime Transport and Logistics. The introduction of these programs aims to expand the university's capacity and equip students with relevant skills for land-based maritime careers.
Alhaji Fanday Turay, the Chancellor of RMU, stated that the university's reputation for producing top-quality graduates has earned it global recognition for excellence in maritime education and training. He emphasized the growing importance of high-level maritime education as the world becomes increasingly complex and interconnected, with safety and environmental awareness being crucial to international trade and shipping operations.
The Chancellor also highlighted the university's strategic focus on human resource development and capacity building for its Member States and beyond. Through education, research, and capacity building, RMU continues to serve the global maritime community, promoting safe, secure, and efficient shipping on clean oceans. "The influence of Regional Maritime University within today's maritime community cannot be overemphasized," he concluded.
