Every year Regional Maritime University (RMU) admits students to pursue various programs. This year, the University admitted over five hundred (500) students for the 2017/2018 academic year. A matriculation Ceremony was held on the 21 October 2017 at the University’s Parade Grounds to officially usher in the fresh students.
This year’s occasion was graced by the Hon. Nii Kwartei Titus Glover, Deputy Minister for Transport and Member of Parliament for Tema East Constituency. Officials of the University present included the Vice Chancellor (VC) of RMU, Professor Elvis Nyarko, Dr. Baboucarr Njie the University Registrar (UR), Academic Council Members, Deans, Heads of Departments, Staff, invited Guest, Students, Parents and friends from the media.
The program started with an opening prayer by Mr. K.B Entsuah, (Head of Marine Electrical/ Electronic Engineering). Earlier in a statement of welcome, the UR, Dr. Baboucarr Njie briefed the matriculants on the significance of the ceremony. He welcomed all present and thanked the Minister for making time to grace the occasion. Closely following the UR’s Address was the presentation of the matriculants admitted into the various programs by the Deans of Faculty and Departmental Heads. The UR ushered in the matriculants through the declaration of the Matriculation Oath of Obedience.
In short, key to the Matriculation Oath, students are required to give due respect and obedience to the Vice Chancellor and other officials of the University. Important in the Oath is the faithful declaration to refrain from acts of violence, secret cultism and anything that disrupts the work of the University or likely to bring the university into disrepute.
Speaking at the 15th Matriculation Ceremony, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Elvis Nyarko advised the students to make good use of their time. He informed students that the University had zero tolerance for vandalism and corruption. The VC stressed that by taking the Oath, one had pledged to be obedient to the Vice Chancellor, the Chief disciplinarian of the University, as well as other officials of the University.
The VC was impressed about the increase of over 169 (one hundred and sixty-nine) students over last year’s intake. He added that the University, a recognized brand for Education, Research and Consultancy in Maritime and Allied Fields would continuously strive to be the best in Africa by providing World- Class education, Training, Research and Consultancy in Maritime and Allied Fields.
He said other plans are far advanced to introduce Asian languages such as Chinese, Japanese among many others in 2018/2019 academic year. He explained that this initiative would equip sea-going students to communicate well with people as they work on board Asian vessels and for non-seagoing students to also take up jobs with Asian-owned Companies.
A measure adopted by the University to reduce the current state of unemployment in Ghana according to the VC included the incorporation of Entrepreneurship and Principles of Management into the University’s 2018/2019 academic curricula, to equip students for the future. The VC congratulated the students for making RMU their ideal choice of higher education and wished them a pleasant experience. He also expressed appreciation to dignitaries, parents and guardians who graced the occasion.
In an address, the Deputy Minister (MOT), Hon. Nii Kwartei Titus Glover assured the University of Government’s willingness to the complete the ongoing projects, (Administration and Library Complex) latest, next year, to help accelerate activities of the University. He mentioned his Ministry’s intention of Launching Seafarers Training by collaborating with Ship Owners to ensure decent employment for the youth after training. He also stressed on the Ministry’s intentions to acquire vessels to assist the University (cadets) in their training. The Deputy Minister assured the University of the Ministry’s effort to control the deliberate encroachment of the University’s lands. He congratulated the matriculants and wished them well.
Miss Doreen Nelson, a matriculant from the Port and Shipping Department on behalf of her colleagues delivered a speech acknowledging the acceptance of the Oath. She made a passionate appeal to the VC and Management to endeavor to create a congenial atmosphere that would enhance teaching, learning and research. In view of the above, she appealed for a well-furnished classroom with modern teaching aids such as projectors, library stocked with current editions of books and journals, and laboratories equipped with state-of-the-art equipment.
The program ended with a closing prayer by Dr. Robert M. Nyemah, (Head of Research and Innovation) RMU, and recession of the Vice Chancellor and dissolution of Assembly.
Information Date: 25/10/2017
Information Source: Marketing Unit, Regional Maritime University, Accra.