The newly-inducted Chancellor of the Regional Maritime University (RMU), Alhaji Fanday Turay, has committed to enhancing academic excellence and strengthening industry partnerships in order to solidify the university’s position as a leader in maritime education.
Speaking at the 31st RMU Board of Governors (BoG) meeting held on Friday in Accra, the Chancellor who doubles as the Chairman of the BoG, said he would also support “diversity and inclusion,” while investing in learning equipment and infrastructure.
Mr Turay, also the Sierra Leone’s Minister of Transport and Aviation, assumed the role of the Chancellor, following a smooth handover and induction ceremony.
He took over from Gambia’s Mr Ebrima Sillah, who held the position for the past two years.
“By fostering a culture of innovation and critical thinking, we will equip our students with the skills they need to succeed in a dynamic marine industry,” he stated.
“We will promote an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and supported, and where diverse perspectives enrich our academic and social life on campus,” he added.
Mr Turay also commended his predecessor for serving diligently and progressively, adding that he would ensure the RMU retained its position as the best maritime education and training institution with the sub-region.
“Let us continue to harness the spirit of unity and integration as we advance the course of this university,” he stress.
On his part, the Deputy Minister of Transport, Mr Frederick Obeng Adom, said the RMU had been “strategically positioned” to play a major role in the sub-region through the provision of quality maritime education to enable young men and women to take up active roles in the maritime sector.
“It is necessary to set clear path and take advantage of the opportunities abound in the blue economy as we remain committed to the growth of the RMU,” he added.
As the headquarters and the host of RMU, he said, Ghana remained committed towards the positioning of RMU as a world-class maritime training institution.
To this end, he said, processes were far advanced for a loan facility of over $140 million from the Korean Exim Bank for the modernisation of the RMU to be released.
The occasion was also used to commission a new Registry Block which houses the Business Development Centre, Public Relations Unit and Quality Management Unit as well as conference room and canteen.
The Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the Liberia Maritime Authority, Liberia, Counsellor Neto Narzar Lighe Sr, and Secretary-General of Maritime Organisation of West and Central Africa (MOWCA), Dr Paul Adalikwu, also reaffirmed their commitment to the growth of the RMU.
BY MICHAEL D. ABAYATEYE