Regional Maritime University (RMU) and Advanced Evangelical Institute of Applied Technology and Management (ISETAG) strengthen ties to enhance maritime education and training

The meeting, chaired by RMU’s Acting Vice Chancellor, Dr. Jethro W. Brooks Jr., provided a platform for both institutions to explore potential areas of collaboration. It emphasized their shared commitment to promoting academic excellence and capacity-building in the maritime sector across Africa.

To kick-start this partnership, two students from ISETAG have been awarded tuition-free scholarships to pursue degrees in Marine Engineering and Port and Shipping Administration at RMU. This initiative demonstrates a commitment to providing talented students with access to world-class education and training opportunities. The scholarships represent the beginning of what is expected to be a broader range of academic exchange programs designed to benefit students and faculty from both institutions.

Mr. Aurelien Brunnel Ngomen Pamen, Director of ISETAG, expressed his gratitude for the collaboration, noting that the partnership will allow students to gain access to RMU’s state-of-the-art facilities and expert faculty. “This partnership is pivotal for us,” Mr. Pamen said. “It will empower our students and faculty with exposure to international standards in maritime education and prepare them to meet the evolving needs of the maritime industry.”

The discussions during the meeting highlighted several potential areas for collaboration, including:

1. Joint Research Initiatives: Both institutions expressed interest in launching collaborative research projects that address critical challenges in the maritime sector, such as sustainable shipping, marine pollution control, and port management innovations.
2. Faculty Exchange Programs: Opportunities were discussed for faculty members to engage in exchange programs, enabling them to share knowledge, experiences, and best practices, and to foster a culture of continuous professional development.
3. Specialized Training Modules: The development of customized training programs tailored to the unique needs of the maritime industry was identified as a priority. These programs aim to enhance the skills and competencies of students and professionals, ensuring they are well-equipped to handle the demands of the global maritime sector.

The ISETAG delegation, which included Mr. Pamen and Mr. Ignace Enano Bekate, Director of Academic Affairs, reaffirmed their dedication to developing a skilled workforce capable of driving economic growth in Cameroon and the wider Central African region. They underscored the importance of collaboration in achieving these goals and emphasized their readiness to work closely with RMU to maximize the impact of their joint efforts.

“Our collaboration with RMU aligns with our vision of fostering educational excellence and equipping our students with the necessary skills to thrive in the maritime sector,” Mr. Bekate added. “We are optimistic about the future and look forward to exploring further opportunities that this partnership may bring.”

As a next step, both institutions have agreed to continue discussions to finalize the specifics of their partnership. These discussions will focus on establishing clear guidelines and frameworks for implementing the agreed-upon initiatives and exploring new opportunities to expand their collaboration.

This partnership between RMU and ISETAG is expected to open new doors for students and faculty, enriching their academic experiences and professional prospects. It also reflects a broader commitment to fostering collaboration among African educational institutions, thereby contributing to the sustainable development of the maritime sector across the continent.

Information Source: Marketing Unit.