Honorable Chancellor and Chairman of Board of Governors, Ministers and Members of the Regional Maritime University (RMU) Board of Governors, Representative of the Secretary-General of MOWCA, Excellencies, Distinguished National Experts, Acting Vice Chancellor and Management of the RMU,
Members of the Fourth Estate,
However, let me also recognize the presence of two personalities visiting with us today from Liberia and gracing this all important gathering of the 33rd meeting of the Board of Governors, Mr. Samuel A. Stevquoah, Minister of State for Special Projects, representing the Office of the President of Liberia and Honorable Tornolah S. Varpilah, Chairman of the Liberia Maritime Authority Board of Directors. 
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen:
I bring warmest greetings and best wishes from His Excellency Joseph N. Boakai, President of the Republic of Liberia and the good people of Liberia to His Excellency, John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana and the good people of Ghana.
It is evident by history that the Regional Maritime University continues to be an enduring pillar of our shared commitment to excellence, innovation and regional integration in maritime education and training.
It is in furtherance of our shared commitment to the development and enhancement of excellent maritime education and training that we continue to enroll a growing number of young graduates and students from across the region at the RMU in Accra, Ghana. 
This enrollment drive is a reflection of our collective resolve to equip the next generation with the skills and knowledge required to lead in the maritime sector across our region and beyond.
Notably, a total of twenty-two (22) Liberian students were admitted into the RMU as at 2024, to pursue studies in various maritime disciplines. I am pleased to report that these students have settled in well. Early feedback from them indicates that they are receiving the expected high standard of attention and training, which is a testament to the excellent academic and welfare systems at RMU.
Over the past year, with the invaluable support of RMU’s training programs, we have witnessed significant growth in the capacity and
reach of our students, and this capacity growth has enormously contributed to improving the performance of our maritime program. I am proud to note that seven (7) Liberian students, enrolled in both undergraduate and master’s programs, will be among those being presented here today as part of the 2025 graduating class, having fully met the academic and professional requirements of RMU.
This new batch of graduates will add to the coterie of trained maritime professionals who will be tasked with the important responsibility of leading critical reforms in the maritime sector of Liberia. This accomplishment reflects not just personal success but also Liberia’s increasing contribution to human resource development in the maritime sector in alignment with the Government of Liberia’s development agenda.
I would again like to assure the Regional Maritime University that requests submitted through the Liberia Maritime Authority (LiMA), particularly concerning the provision of educational materials, would continue to receive serious and timely attention.
Distinguished Board Members:
In furtherance of regional integration, His Excellency President Joseph N. Boakai made a landmark pledge during the 18th RMU Congregation Ceremony in 2024 to construct a dormitory on the RMU campus.
This initiative was conceived to address a pressing challenge affecting our students’ accommodation. I am pleased to inform you that construction commenced promptly, and the project is ready for dedication. We are proud that this project was completed in record time and will be hand over to the University.
We equally acknowledge and applaud the efforts of the University Management for their resourcefulness in signing Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) with various industry establishments. These efforts are enhancing the University’s income base and strengthening its partnerships with key stakeholders in the maritime sector.
In line with a resolution of the Board, each Head of State of the RMU Member States is to receive an honorary degree from the University. Accordingly, His Excellency Joseph N. Boakai, Sr., President of the Republic of Liberia, was recently conferred with an honorary degree. This gesture recognizes not only his leadership but also Liberia’s enduring contribution to maritime development in the region.
As many of you are aware, Liberia holds a prominent position as a major Global Shipping Registry. It is, therefore, only natural that the country takes the necessary steps to expand training opportunities that can open employment pathways for its youth within the shipping and allied industries.
In this regard, the Republic of Liberia has further resuscitated the Liberia Maritime Training Institute (LMT’) in Marshall, with a focus on training young seafarers to take full advantage of the nation’s privileged maritime position. The Government of Liberia, under the leadership of President Boakai, has made it a policy priority to upgrade all sectors of the Liberian society, and maritime training remains a key pillar of that effort.
In keeping with this policy priority, we have witnessed the selection and sponsorship of a growing number of Liberian students, primarily through LiMA, to pursue specialized training both at LMTI and at RMU. These graduates are not only acquiring valuable skills but are also becoming critical assets in the global maritime space. 
Ladies and Gentlemen:
As we deliberate today, let us remember that we stand at a pivotal moment in the life of RMU. With continued collaboration and strategic foresight, we can consolidate these gains and further elevate our institution as a center of excellence in maritime education and training.
Let us stay committed to the values of innovation, integration, and unity. Together, we can steer RMU into a future that meets the aspirations of our region and secures a sustainable maritime legacy for generations to come.
Thank you all for your kind attention, and I look forward to our productive discussions.
