The Chancellor and Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Regional Maritime University (RMU), who doubles as the Minister for Transport, Hon. Joseph Bukari Nikpe, has pledged Ghana's commitment to supporting the growth of the RMU following his appointment as Chancellor and Chairman of the Board of Governors of the University.

Speaking at the University's 20th Graduation Ceremony in Accra, the Minister thanked the Board of Governors for the confidence placed in Ghana and described the appointment as an opportunity to work with member states to strengthen maritime education and training across the region.

He said the Regional Maritime University has, over the years, produced skilled professionals who continue to contribute to the maritime industry in West and Central Africa and beyond. He added that Ghana would work closely with the University's leadership to improve academic standards, expand training opportunities, and promote innovation within the institution.

The Chancellor noted that the maritime industry is changing rapidly with advances in technology, digitalisation, and environmentally friendly shipping practices. He said the Ministry of Transport would continue to support partnerships that will help provide modern training facilities, improve research, and prepare students for the changing demands of the industry.

He commended the Board of Governors, Management, and Faculty of the University for their dedication, which has contributed to the successful training of maritime professionals over the years.

He congratulated the 417 graduates, comprising 83 Master’s degree graduates, 242 Bachelor's degree graduates, and 91 Diploma graduates from various academic programmes including Marine Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Port and Shipping Administration, International Shipping and Logistics, and Computer Engineering.

Addressing the graduates, the Minister and Chancellor urged them to leave the institution with three guiding principles: competence over ambition, integrity as their compass, and resilience in the face of adversity. He explained that while ambition may open doors, it is competence, technical expertise, adherence to international standards, and continuous learning that would sustain their careers and earn them lasting professional respect. He encouraged the graduates to uphold the highest ethical standards in their professional lives, stressing that honesty, accountability, and trustworthiness are essential qualities in the maritime industry.

He also called on the graduates to remain resilient, noting that a career at sea is both rewarding and demanding. He reminded them that the sea is unpredictable and often comes with rough waters and challenging conditions, but urged them to draw on the knowledge, discipline, and determination they had gained during their training to navigate every challenge with confidence and professionalism. He again stressed that the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) presents new opportunities for the maritime sector and called on the students to use the knowledge and skills acquired at the University to support the growth of the industry.

The Minister and Chancellor thanked the Governments of the six member states, development partners, and stakeholders for their continued support for the University. He expressed the hope that through collaboration, the Regional Maritime University would continue to grow into a leading centre for maritime education and training on the continent.

The 20th Congregation brought together dignitaries from Cameroon, The Gambia, Liberia and Sierra Leone, government officials, maritime industry practitioners, academics, students, and families in celebrating another milestone in the University's contribution to maritime capacity development in the region.