The Minister for Transport, Mr. Joseph Bukari Nikpe, has assured educational institutions of the government’s unwavering support to produce skilled professionals that will meet the demands of the current job market.
Mr. Nikpe specifically mentioned the Regional Maritime University (RMU) as an institution whose mandate aligns with the government’s flagship 24-Hour Economy policy.
Speaking at the 22nd and 10th Matriculation Ceremony of RMU for the August 2024 and January 2025 intake, held in Accra on Friday, the minister stated, “the role of RMU, in line with its mandate of training manpower in the area of seafaring, therefore aligns with the 24-Hour Economy policy and President John Mahama’s vision of job creation.”
Minister of Transport,Mr Nikpe speaking at the matriculation ceremony
He highlighted that RMU would play a pivotal role by training maritime professionals, particularly seafarers, to enhance the country’s human resource base, both onshore and offshore in the maritime industry.
The minister further assured the university of the government’s continued support to address specific challenges, ensuring that the institution was well-positioned to fulfill its mandate of producing skilled seafarers and maritime professionals.
“A key intervention is the proposed Modernisation of RMU Project, for which the government is seeking support from the Government of Korea for an Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF) facility amounting to US$173,950,000. This project will result in significant infrastructure improvements, including the provision of a training vessel to facilitate practical seafarer training,” he explained.
Dr Brooks Jr. with the Minister of Transport Mr Nikpe
“I am reliably informed that a revised feasibility study has been completed and the loan application request has been submitted to the Ministry of Finance,” he disclosed.
The minister also urged students, particularly the matriculants, to be disciplined and work hard towards becoming distinguished professionals in the maritime industry.
“I want to assure you that RMU has the capacity to train and equip you with the necessary skills for the evolving maritime industry, as well as job opportunities within the Blue Economy,” he added.
In total, 675 students from the 1,220 postgraduate and undergraduate applicants have registered, including 516 males and 159 females.
Matriculants administering their oath
The Acting Vice Chancellor of RMU, Dr Jethro W. Brooks Jr., expressed gratitude to the government and the people of Ghana for their continued support of the university.
He also appreciated the government’s plans to modernize the university, including the completion of the auditorium and administrative buildings that were started some years ago.
Dr Brooks stated that investing in maritime education and training is vital for Ghana’s economic growth and development. He also acknowledged the significant increase in female participation in the cadetship programme, traditionally dominated by males, emphasizing that diversity and inclusivity are essential for fostering innovation.
“It is noteworthy that the number of female students admitted into the sea-going programs of Nautical Science and Marine Engineering has risen from 35 last academic year to 96 this academic year. This indicates that the university’s efforts to encourage more females to pursue sea-going programs are yielding positive results,” he remarked.
Dr Brooks also urged students to be innovative and committed to excellence, stressing that they have the potential to shape the future of the maritime industry.
University Registrar Dr Baboucarr addressing the Matriculants
Story By PRO Unit