The delegation with some RMU staff members
On Monday, August 11, 2025, a delegation of students and staff from the University of Lagos (Unilag), Nigeria, paid an academic visit to the Regional Maritime University (RMU) in Accra.
The visit formed part of an ongoing effort by Unilag to gain deeper insights into the maritime industry and its role in port and shipping development.
The delegation comprised approximately 40 Master’s students from the Department of Geography (Transportation Planning and Management) and accompanying faculty members.
The delegation taken through the simulator room activities
Their aim was to better understand the evolving role of the maritime sector in supporting economic growth and regional integration.
Welcoming the visitors on behalf of RMU management, Dr Robert Nyemah, Head of Research and Innovation, emphasised the importance of academic exchanges between institutions in neighboring countries.
Dr Nyemah welcoming the delegation
He noted that such collaborations were critical in fostering mutual growth and understanding, citing RMU’s active role in similar initiatives, including the International Blue Economy Conference, which the university has championed over the past two years.
Dr Nyemah also highlighted the upcoming Blue Economy Dialogue Series scheduled for October and extended an invitation to Unilag to participate and submit contributions.
The Unilag delegation
He encouraged all stakeholders to support the event, aimed at advancing discussions around the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic development.
The visit featured a presentation by Dr Gabriel Akakpo, Dean of the Graduate School at RMU, alongside Mr Michael Dzikunu from the Department of Transport.
Dr Akakpo and Mr Dzikunu
Dr Akakpo underscored the need for increased collaboration between RMU and Unilag, emphasising the shared goal of African unity and development
Dr Akakpo making a presentation
He introduced the various postgraduate programmes offered at RMU and encouraged students to explore academic opportunities that align with the goals of the blue economy.
Mr Dzikunu, in his remarks, discussed the department’s offerings and stressed the need for sound policies to safeguard marine environments.
Mr Dzikunu making a presentation
He reaffirmed RMU’s commitment to leading initiatives that protect the ocean and welcomed collaborative efforts that align with this mission.
As part of the visit, the delegation toured RMU’s state-of-the-art facilities, including the maritime simulator room, where they observed practical training systems in action.
During an interactive session, students asked questions on topics ranging from maritime education and job prospects to the future of the shipping industry and the blue economy. These were thoroughly addressed by RMU’s faculty and staff.
A member of the Unilag delegation making a submission
Dr Ege Emmanuel, head of the Unilag delegation, expressed his gratitude to RMU for the warm reception and insightful engagement.
Dr Ege Emmanuel (middle) with other members of the delegation
He referenced earlier discussions around formalising collaboration between the two institutions and encouraged stakeholders to build on the momentum for a strong and mutually beneficial partnership.