The Regional Maritime University (RMU) held its 22^nd and 10^th matriculation ceremony for August 2024 and January 2025 intake in Accra on Friday at the University’s Parade grounds.

Overall, 1,220 postgraduate and undergraduate students from both member and non-member countries applied.

Speaking at the Matriculation ceremony, the Ag. Vice Chancellor of the Regional Maritime University, Dr Jethro W. Brooks Jnr welcomed the students and urged them to eschew from all forms of indiscipline.

“As you begin your journey in the maritime industry, remember that you have the power to shape the future; therefore be bold, be innovative and committed to excellence” he stressed.

“RMU continues to pride itself as a globally branded university for education, research and consultancy in maritime and allied fields and strives to become the best institution in Africa,” he explained.

The Ag. Vice Chancellor said admission of females into the sea-faring programmes of Nautical Science and Marine Engineering has increased from 35 last year to 96 this academic year.

“This means that the University’s drive of encouraging more females to take up sea-going programmes is achieving good results,” he said.

The Ag. Vice Chancellor called on government to assist the school with its needs such as school health care and maintenance of the school.

He said the university would continue to collaborate with industry to ensure that students gained the exposure and opportunity to be gainfully employed after graduation.

Dr Jethro W. Brooks Jnr stated that the institution continues to prepare the youth for the job market because they are exposed to many opportunities for growth, exploration and innovation.

Mr Joseph Bukari Nikpe, Minister for Transport, stated that government intends to commission a feasibility study for the development of a coastal water transport system along the coast of Ghana to compliment other modes and integrate sea passenger transport and land-based transport.

According to him, this will support the 24-hour economy policy and develop indigenous businesses in the Maritime and shipping space.

The minister urged the school to inculcate discipline in the students, because academic excellence alone does not guarantee success.

A speech, read on behalf of the matriculants, pledged to abide by the rules and regulation of the school in order to come out with flying colours.

By Linda Abrefi Wadie