The Regional Maritime University (RMU) held its 19th Congregation ceremony in Accra on Saturday, celebrating the graduation of 372 students who earned Master’s degrees, bachelor’s degrees and diplomas across various disciplines.
Of the total number of graduates, 66 received Master’s degrees, 231 were awarded bachelor’s degrees and 75 received diplomas.
Delivering his address, the Acting Vice Chancellor of RMU, Dr Jethro W. Brooks Jr, announced that beginning with the 2025/2026 academic year, the university would introduce a four-year mandatory cadetship programme for all students pursuing seagoing courses, as well as for interested students from other programmes.
According to him, this initiative aimed to instill discipline and professionalism among students through adherence to the structured rules and regulations of cadetship.
He emphasised the critical role of cadetship in maritime education, stating, “cadetship programmes are not just beneficial but essential. They ensure that seagoing students become competent, confident, and compliant maritime professionals, capable of upholding the highest standards of safety and efficiency in the global shipping industry.”
Dr Brooks also revealed that RMU would continue its collaboration with shipping companies to secure employment opportunities for its graduates.
Currently, he said, six shipping lines that recruit RMU students have expressed interest in expanding the number of graduates they hire.
He encouraged the graduating class to be responsible citizens, uphold strong moral values and embody a spirit of service, innovation and integrity.
The Acting Vice Chancellor further commended university staff for their contributions to the RMU Scholarship Fund, which has supported 34 students since its launch in 2023.
He proudly noted that one of the fund’s pioneer beneficiaries, Ms Theodora Hayford, graduated with First Class Honours in Ports and Shipping Administration, along with seven other beneficiaries.
Dr Brooks appealed to member states, corporate bodies, and private individuals to support the scholarship fund to enable more brilliant but financially challenged students to access quality maritime education.
The ceremony also featured awards for outstanding academic and professional performance. Fugah Hope Kwame was named the Overall Best Postgraduate Student. Among university staff, Mr Prosper Mawusi and Mr Isaac Kofi Entsie were recognised as Employees of the Year (Senior Staff – Non-Teaching), while the Vice Chancellor’s Award was presented to Mr Ebenezer Abban in recognition of his exemplary service.
Story By: Michael Abayatey
