The Acting Vice Chancellor of the Regional Maritime University, Dr Jethro Brooks Jnr, has underscored the critical role of maritime education in driving economic growth, as the University matriculated fresh students for the 2025/2026 academic year.
Delivering his address at the University’s 22nd and 11th matriculation ceremony held on Friday, April 11, 2026, Dr. Brooks Jnr welcomed a combined cohort of students admitted in August 2025 and January 2026, describing the occasion as a significant milestone in their academic journey.
The ceremony was attended by the Deputy Minister of Transport and Member of Parliament for Jomoro, Dorcas Affo-Toffey, who served as Special Guest of Honour, alongside other dignitaries from academia, government, and the maritime industry.
Dr Jethro Brooks Jnr, Acting Vice Chancellor RMU
According to Dr. Brooks Jnr, a total of 1,363 applicants were admitted during the 2025/2026 academic year, out of which 814 students—representing 60 percent—accepted their offers and enrolled.
The enrolled students comprise 124 postgraduates and 690 undergraduates, with 609 males and 205 females.
He noted that the University continues to attract students from across its six member states—Cameroon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, and Sierra Leone—as well as other countries, reinforcing its status as a leading maritime training institution in West Africa.
A key highlight of the address was the significant increase in female participation, particularly in the cadetship programme.
Dr. Brooks Jnr revealed that female enrolment in sea-going programmes such as Nautical Science and Marine Engineering rose from 96 in the previous academic year to 127 in the current intake.
He described the development as a positive step towards promoting inclusivity in an industry traditionally dominated by men.
Touching on national development, the Acting Vice Chancellor linked maritime education to the government’s vision of a 24-hour economy, championed by President John Dramani Mahama.
He stressed that expanding training opportunities in the maritime and technical sectors would equip young people with employable and entrepreneurial skills needed to drive economic transformation.
“The maritime industry is a vital sector that drives global trade and economic growth. Investing in education and training in this field is crucial for Ghana’s development,” he said.
Dr. Brooks Jnr noted that RMU continues to offer market-driven programmes designed to equip students with practical skills for the maritime and allied industries.
He disclosed that the University is set to roll out several short-term and online programmes, including Maritime Administration, Pipe and Tube Fitting, Personal Safety and Social Responsibility (PSSR), and Port Safety and Mooring Operations.
The University has also strengthened collaborations with international shipping lines such as BSM, Hafnia, and Pacific International Lines, leading to the recruitment and training of over 100 students for sea service.
In addition, RMU maintains strong partnerships with key stakeholders, including the Ghana Maritime Authority, Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, the Ghana Shippers Authority, and the Ghana Navy.
Despite these achievements, the Acting Vice Chancellor raised concerns about ageing infrastructure and equipment, noting that many facilities require urgent maintenance or replacement due to prolonged use.
He appealed to member states and stakeholders to honour their financial commitments to support the University’s operations and development.
He, however, expressed appreciation to the Government of Ghana for ongoing efforts to modernise the institution, including the resumption of work on key projects such as the auditorium and administrative buildings.
Dr. Brooks Jnr urged students to uphold discipline and integrity throughout their academic journey, warning against examination malpractice and drug abuse, both of which attract severe sanctions.
“Always remember that it is better to fail and resit an examination than to cheat and be dismissed,” he advised.
The Acting Vice Chancellor encouraged students to strive for excellence and envision themselves as future leaders in various fields, including politics, engineering, and maritime operations.
He wished them a successful academic journey at what he described as the world’s only diplomatic regional maritime university.
By 1960news.com
