The Minister of Transport, Hon. Joseph Bukari Nikpe has reaffirmed the government’s strong commitment to supporting educational institutions in producing skilled professionals to meet the needs of the contemporary job market.
He referred to the Regional Maritime University (RMU) as an institution whose mission aligned with the government’s 24-Hour Economy policy and promised the government’s unwavering support to the institution.
Addressing the 22nd and 10th Matriculation Ceremony of RMU at Nungua in Accra, the sector Minister described RMU’s role in training seafaring professionals as being in direct alignment with the 24-Hour Economy policy and President John Mahama’s vision of creating job opportunities.
Hon. Nikpe disclosed that a key initiative by the government was the proposed Modernisation of RMU Project, for which the government sought support from the Government of Korea through an Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF) facility valued at US$173,950,000. The project aimed to bring about significant infrastructure improvements, including the provision of a training vessel to enhance practical seafarer training.
The Acting Vice-Chancellor of RMU, Dr. Jethro Brooks, assured the university’s dedication to academic excellence and its focus on preparing students for successful careers in the maritime industry.
He also acknowledged the government's initiatives to modernize the university, particularly the ongoing completion of the auditorium and administrative buildings that had been started several years ago.
Dr. Brooks praised the significant increase in female enrollment, particularly in traditionally male-dominated programs such as Nautical Science and Marine Engineering, where the number of female students had risen from 35 in the previous academic year to 96 that year, reflecting the university’s successful efforts to encourage more women to pursue careers in the maritime industry.
He further noted RMU’s commitment to equipping students with the necessary skills to thrive and contribute to the industry’s continued growth and innovation.
