RMU held its 19th Congregation Ceremony on Saturday 28th June, 2025 in Accra, marking a significant milestone as 372 students graduated with Master’s degrees, Bachelor’s degrees, and Diplomas across various academic disciplines. Out of the total graduates, 66 received Master’s degrees, 231 were awarded Bachelor’s degrees, and 75 earned Diplomas.
Academic Council members processing to the ceremony.
Delivering the congregation address, the Acting Vice Chancellor, Dr. Jethro W. Brooks Jr., announced the introduction of a new four-year mandatory cadetship programme beginning in the 2025/2026 Academic Year. This initiative he explained would apply to all students enrolled in seagoing programmes and would also be open to interested students from other departments.
The Acting Vice Chancellor delivering his key message at the ceremony.
“Cadetship programmes are not just beneficial but essential,” Dr. Brooks stated. “They ensure that seagoing students become competent, confident, and compliant maritime professionals, capable of upholding the highest standards of safety and efficiency in the global shipping industry.”
He added that the programme is designed to instill discipline and professionalism through adherence to structured cadetship protocols. Dr. Brooks further revealed that RMU continues to work closely with key players in the maritime industry to improve graduate employability. For this reason, six shipping lines currently recruiting RMU graduates have expressed interest in expanding their intake.
Another key highlight from his address was the rise in student enrollment, particularly among female students. The number of females in seagoing programmes increased from 35 in the 2023/2024 academic year to 99 for 2024/2025. Overall, the cadet regiment has grown from 248 to 480 students.
To accommodate this growth, the Acting Vice Chancellor appealed for support from government agencies, corporate institutions, alumni, and maritime stakeholders to help develop additional classrooms and hostel facilities.
Dr. Brooks further commended the university staff for their contributions to the RMU Scholarship Fund, which has so far supported 34 students since its inception in 2023. Among this year’s graduating class was Ms. Theodora Hayford, one of the scholarship’s pioneer beneficiaries, who graduated with First Class Honours in Ports and Shipping Administration alongside seven other beneficiaries.
“We call on member states, corporate organizations, and individuals to support this initiative to ensure more brilliant but financially challenged students gain access to quality maritime education,” he added.
The Chancellor and Board Chairman of RMU, Ambassador Alhaji Fanday Turay
In his address, the Chancellor and Board Chairman of RMU, Ambassador Alhaji Fanday Turay, congratulated the graduating class and encouraged them to apply their knowledge and skills to tackle the pressing challenges within the maritime sector.
He underscored the importance of maritime education in today’s interconnected global economy and stressed the need for professionalism, environmental awareness, and innovation in maritime operations.
“Graduates must continue to build on the foundation of knowledge and leadership instilled during their time at RMU to become catalysts for transformation within the global maritime industry,” he stated.
Ambassador Turay also urged graduates to maintain strong professional networks and called on member states to continue supporting RMU’s mission. He praised countries that have contributed to the University’s infrastructural development and appealed to others to do same.
STAFF EXCELLENCE AWARD
The congregation also featured the presentation of awards to distinguished individuals for their academic and professional excellence. Mr. Fugah Hope Kwame was named Overall Best Postgraduate Student, in the student’s category. For the staff category, Mr. Prosper Mawusi and Mr. Isaac Kofi Entsie received awards as Employees of the Year (Senior Staff – Non-Teaching). The Vice Chancellor’s Award for Exemplary Service was presented to Mr. Ebenezer Abban.
Mr. Fugah Hope Kwame receiving his award from the former Chancellor Hon. Ibriama Sillas
Mr. Prosper Mawusi (right), Mr. Isaac Kofi Entsie (middle) and Mr. Ebenezer Abban (left) with their awards from the staff category.
Congratulations to the Class of 2025!
RMU celebrates your achievements and looks forward to your impact in the maritime industry and beyond.