Management of the Regional Maritime University (RMU) has held its 17th graduation ceremony in recognition of graduates’ professional accomplishments, dedication and commitment, and of the unfailing support of family and friends who helped to make their achievements possible. The 17th Congregation of RMU was held on Saturday, 29th July 2023 at the Parade grounds of the University where about five hundred (500) graduates received Masters Degree, Bachelors degrees and Diplomas.
The dignitaries at the daze on the occasion of the 17th Congregation Ceremony.
The ceremony, was attended by several dignitaries including the Chancellor also doubling as the Chairman of the Board of Governors of the University, Hon. Ebrima Sillah who is currently the Minister of Transport, Works and Infrastructure of the Republic of Gambia. Other dignitaries present included the Hon. Minster of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, Professor Pierre Gomez; the Secretary General of Maritime Organization of West and Central Africa (MOWCA), -Dr. Paul Adlikwu; the General Manager of the Fisheries Committee for the West Central Gulf of Guinea; Dr. Antoine Gaston Djihnto; RMU Management members, Paramount Chiefs among many others.
In a welcome address, the Chancellor of RMU, Hon. Ebrima Sillah hinted that the graduation ceremony of the University marks a significant milestone in the lives of the graduands as well as the whole University. Adding that the achievements by the graduates reflects the culmination of years of dedication and hard work. In view of this, he affirmed the University’s commitment to enhancing capacity development through its accredited programmes and called for stakeholder involvement. He emphasized that the partnership for stakeholder engagement was necessary to ultimately improve the standards of the University.
Chancellor and Chairman of the Board of Governors of the University, Hon. Ebrima Sillah who is the Minister of Transport, Works and Infrastructure of the Republic of The Gambia.
He encouraged the participation of the private sector in the training of personnel for the oil and gas and its allied fields for opportunities available through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA).
The Acting Vice Chancellor of University Dr. Jethro Brooks Jnr., congratulated the graduates and urged them to make use of the training received from RMU to avoid unemployment situations. He advised them to lookout for several opportunities within the maritime sector and beyond to improve upon their knowledge and skills. In view of this, he added that the programmes of the University are tailored towards developing capacity and bridging unemployment within the subregion.
The acting Vice Chancellor, RMU, Dr. Jethro Brooks Jnr.
He was of the hope that, with the training and exposure received from the University, graduates will receive the needed support for business setups as well as be positioned for good job in the near future. He announced that about 85% of trained graduates in the sea going programmes of the University have been posted or awaiting placement on international ships. He later expressed his gratitude to Bernhard Schulte Shipping Management (BSM), Hafnia, Danaos and other shipping companies for their partnership with the University on graduate employment. He commended the RMU on the anniversary celebrations and further highlighted other activities of the University to commemorate the 65years of existence and 40 years of regionalization.
Professor Pierre Gomez, the Gambian Minister of High Education, Research, Science and Technology was the Special Guest of Honour for the ceremony. In his remarks, he recounted the need for inclusion of modern technologies and innovation as a national catalyst to further advance international trade between Africa and the world. According to him, the use of modern technologies will help nations achieve a collective objective. In light of this, he commended RMU for the inclusion of modern technologies in the discharge of teaching and learning. He charged the RMU to keep motivating its staff by providing them with the requisite skills necessary to enhance their capacity.
Professor Pierre Gomez, the Gambian Minister of High Education, Research, Science and Technology, also the Special Guest of Honour for the occasion.
He further called for collaborations between academia and industry to ensure that the resources coming out of the various universities are utilized to the benefits of their immediate country and even beyond. According to the Guest Speaker, the success of the biggest free trade line in Africa, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA), can realize its full potential through a systematic development of links that would connect African countries with little or no interferences.
In brief, it is worth noting that larger number of the 2023 graduating class are already posted or are about to be posted on ships for crewing opportunities following their graduation. RMU with its uniqueness is the only Maritime Institutions in the sub region providing academic trading and research for the advancement of the Maritime Industry and its activities.
The ceremony was well attended by dignitaries, RMU staff, parents, graduands, continuing students and the media.
Information Source: Marketing Unit