Dr. Jethro W. Brooks, the Acting Vice Chancellor of the Regional Maritime University (RMU), has urged graduates to utilize the knowledge they have acquired to drive the development of the maritime sector and contribute to economic growth. He emphasized the university’s commitment to producing skilled graduates capable of excelling within the maritime industry.
Dr. Brooks delivered this advice during the 17th Congregation of the University, a significant event that also marked the 65th anniversary of the university as a training institute and the 40th anniversary of its regionalization.
The ceremony celebrated a total of 444 graduates who received diplomas, bachelor’s degrees, and master’s degrees in various fields, including ports and shipping administration, marine engineering, computer engineering, accounting, and logistics management. Among the graduates, 50 were awarded master’s degrees, 324 received bachelor’s degrees, and 70 were presented with diplomas.
The event also included special awards to commend hardworking staff, former lecturers, students, and individuals who have contributed to the growth of the university over the years.
Dr. Brooks highlighted the growing opportunities in the maritime sector, driven by factors such as the discovery of oil and gas by countries along the Gulf of Guinea, modernization of ports and harbors, and an increasing number of ships. He expressed confidence that the graduates would be equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to capitalize on these opportunities.
He emphasized the importance of research and innovation at the university, noting that capacity-building programs are ongoing to establish a research culture that improves the university’s standards as a global maritime education and training institution.
Dr. Brooks called on both governments and member states to continue supporting the growth of the university, ensuring its effectiveness in producing skilled individuals who contribute to the maritime industry and broader economies.
Professor Pierre Gomez, the Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology of the Republic of the Gambia, also addressed the audience, highlighting the need for collaboration between academia and industry to leverage the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). He stressed the importance of utilizing modern technologies and innovations to enhance trade within the continent.
Professor Gomez praised the RMU’s anniversary celebrations and encouraged the university to continue training skilled individuals who contribute to Africa’s economic growth. He urged graduates to explore opportunities within the maritime sector and leverage research tools to enhance their knowledge and expertise.
, Dr. Jethro W. Brooks, Acting Vice Chancellor, urged graduates to leverage their acquired knowledge for the advancement of the maritime sector and economic progress. With a strong commitment to producing skilled professionals for the maritime industry, the RMU celebrated its significant anniversaries alongside awarding diplomas, bachelor's, and master's degrees to 444 graduates. Dr. Brooks stressed the potential of growing opportunities in the maritime domain, including oil and gas discoveries and modernization efforts, and encouraged graduates to harness their skills to seize these prospects. The ceremony also emphasized the importance of research and innovation in elevating the university's global standards. Professor Pierre Gomez, the Minister of Higher Education from Gambia, highlighted the necessity of academia-industry collaboration to leverage the benefits of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and modern technologies for enhanced trade in the continent){kind=link}