RMU graduated a total of three hundred and seventy-nine (379) students with Master’s, Bachelor’s degrees and Diplomas in various fields of academic pursuit. The ceremony was graced by high ranking delegations from member states i.e., Cameroon, The Gambia, Ghana, Liberia and Sierra Leone and RMU’s supervisory body, the Maritime Organization for West and Central Africa (MOWCA) other partners, local dignitaries, students and stakeholders.
(Left to right) His Excellency Dr. Joseph Boakai, President of the Republic of Liberia and The First Lady of Sierra Leone and Her Excellency, Dr. Fatima Maada Bio.
Speaking as the Special Guest of Honour at the 18th Congregation of the RMU, His Excellency Dr. Joseph Boakai President of the Republic of Liberia highlighted Africa’s potential to lead the global economy if its leaders embrace unity and cooperation to harness the continent’s abundant natural resources. He emphasized the importance of remaining united and collectively utilizing these resources to advance socio-economic development. Using RMU, governed by five member states including Liberia, Sierra Leone, Cameroon, The Gambia, and Ghana, as an example, President Joseph Boakai noted that such collaborations could be replicated to support other aspects of the economy. He highlighted the visionary idea behind the establishment of RMU and the collaborative efforts of its founding fathers, which align with the aspirations of the African Union. He stressed the significance of unity and cooperation among member states in maintaining RMU for over four decades.
His Excellency, President Joseph Boakai, speaking at the ceremony.
President Joseph Boakai pledged Liberia’s commitment to the university, recognizing the importance of maritime education and training to the member states’ economic development. He reaffirmed Liberia’s dedication to maintaining high standards in the maritime industry and promised continued support and increased enrollment of Liberian students at RMU. President Joseph Boakai expressed pride in the significant progress and transformation RMU has gone through over the years as Africa’s leading maritime university. He underscored the importance of leveraging training and education at RMU given that shipping is poised to become the primary source of international trade and commerce. He urged the graduates to work hard towards achieving their dreams with high levels of discipline, determination, and dedication.
Dr. Jethro W. Brooks, the Acting Vice Chancellor, RMU, addressing the congregation.
The Acting Vice-Chancellor of the university, Dr. Jethro W. Brooks, affirmed President Joseph Boakai call for African unity by stressing that, Africans could work together for the common good of their respective countries and people as done at the RMU. He stressed the need for member states to pay their contributions for RMU to effectively run its activities. He also highlighted some major challenge of delayed or non-payment of contributions, which are essential for meeting capital expenditures. Dr. Brooks expressed appreciation to the government of Ghana for paving all the inner roads of the university and pleaded for timely intervention in addressing land encroachment challenges. Furthermore, he urged the graduates to uphold high moral standards and be good ambassadors of their Alma Mater.
During the event, RMU conferred an Honorary Doctorate Degree and a citation on His Excellency, President Joseph Boakai in recognition of his efforts towards promoting democracy, the rule of law, honesty and integrity, social justice, and respect for human rights. The First Lady of Sierra Leone, Her Excellency, Dr. Fatima Jabbi Maada Bio, was also conferred with an Honorary Doctorate Degree for her distinguished contributions as a renowned actress, screenwriter, film producer, and gender advocate.
His Excellency, President Joseph Boakai conferred an Honorary Doctorate Degree.
The First Lady of Sierra Leone, Her Excellency, Dr. Fatima Jabbi Maada Bio, receiving an Honorary Doctorate Degree.
The 18th Congregation Ceremony of the RMU was a momentous occasion, reflecting the collective efforts and dedication of all those involved. The ceremony not only celebrated the academic achievements of the 379 graduating students but also underscored the importance of unity, collaboration, and excellence within the RMU community.
The presence of representatives from the member states, including Liberia, Sierra Leone, Cameroon, The Gambia, and Ghana, demonstrated a strong commitment to the university’s mission and goals. Their participation in the annual Board of Governors meeting alongside the graduation ceremony emphasized the importance of collaborative governance and strategic planning in advancing RMU’s overall progress.
In conclusion, the 18th Congregation Ceremony was a resounding success, showcasing the achievements of the graduates, the dedication of the staff, and the unwavering support of the member states. It was a celebration of excellence, unity, and the shared vision of advancing maritime education and training in Africa. The event reaffirmed RMU’s position as a leading maritime university and set a promising course for its future endeavors.
Information Source: Marketing Unit, RMU.