Liberian President Joseph Boakai has implored graduating students of the Regional Maritime University in Ghana to demonstrate high standard of discipline and make the African continent proud with the global maritime market.
Addressing the 18th Commencement Ceremony of University on Saturday in Accra, Boakai heighted Liberia’s role the establishment of the institution and its significance to the region and continental Africa.
President Boakai, who was awarded an honorary doctorate degree by the university, praised the remarkable progress and transformation achieved by RMU over the years, establishing it as one of Africa’s leading maritime institutions.
“I am enormously proud of the significant progress and transformation the RMU has achieved over the years, establishing itself as one of Africa’s leading maritime universities,” President Boakai said. “This remarkable success is the result of hard work, dedication, and the visionary leadership of the University’s faculty.”
Highlighting the collaborative effort that led to the establishment of the RMU, the Liberian President commended the five member states – Cameroon, Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, and Sierra Leone – for their foresight and unity in realizing this regional maritime university.
“Knowing that shipping would ultimately be the primary source of international trade and commerce, there was, therefore, the need for the region and the continent to prepare for leveraging this opportunity,” President Boakai stated. “This collaborative effort is a testament to the foresight of our founding fathers and a mark of Pan-Africanism.”
Recognizing Liberia’s prominent position in the global maritime industry as the world’s largest ship registry by gross tonnage, President Boakai pledged Liberia’s unwavering support to the RMU, committing to elevate the institution to unmatched heights on the continent and beyond.
“Liberia is currently the world’s largest ship registry by gross tonnage, highlighting the critical importance of maritime education to our country,” he said. “I have instructed the authorities at the Liberia Maritime Training Institute to increase the number of students sent to RMU in the coming years, reflecting Liberia’s maritime legacy and the commitment to maintaining its prominent position in the global maritime industry.”
In his address to the graduating students, President Boakai urged them to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and discipline, and to make their alma mater and Africa proud as they venture into the maritime world.
“Remember, you carry our blessings as you venture into the maritime world—do not let us down,” he said.
As a testament to Liberia’s commitment to the RMU, President Boakai announced that his government would pledge the construction of an additional dormitory for students at the university. The Liberian President’s speech
