MONROVIA- President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has been on a speaking expedition in the west African state of Ghana, serving as Guest Speaker at the 18th commencement ceremony of the Regional Maritime University (RMU), at which time he called on member countries of the University to unite in their efforts to maintain a vibrant institution.

President Boakai stressed the importance of unity and cooperation amongst the RMU countries that include Cameroon, Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, and Sierra Leone.

“It is important to recognize the enduring unity and cooperation among the member states in maintaining the RMU for over 41 years,” the Liberian leader told his audience that compromised Ghanaian government officials and chiefs, international maritime guests, university officials, graduates and relatives of the graduate.

“This significant venture, which unites five countries to pool resources for the common good of the region and its people, aligns with the aspirations of the founding fathers of the African Union,” he said, noting: “To achieve irreversible socio-economic transformation, Africa must embrace this spirit of unity.”

Boaka emphasized that Africa has the potential to be a global leader if “we harness our resources effectively and collectively.

“Africa’s unity is crucial for realizing this potential. Hence, I humbly urge us all to enforce this union by giving increased support to sustain this great university of ours. As President of Liberia, I pledge our unwavering support to the RMU, committing to elevate this institution to unmatched heights on the continent and beyond.”

He reflected that Liberia is currently the world’s largest ship registry by gross tonnage, highlighting the critical importance of maritime education to the country.

He said the Liberia Maritime Training Institute and the Regional Maritime University, which deliver low and high-end maritime programs, respectively, are key institutions of education that Liberia will continue to support to benefit from opportunities provided by the global maritime sector.

The noted that graduates from Liberia Maritime Training Institute often matriculate to the RMU for their undergraduate degrees—good news for which he said he has 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.

“To the graduates,” the President said, “this is a unique moment in your lives, representing the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, sacrifice, determination, and courage in pursuing academic success. You have overcome many challenges to earn your place among the graduates of RMU today.”

He implored the graduates to continue to work hard work which he said is indispensable for achieving any goal.

“And finally hold onto discipline and character, which are the foundation of success. As it is said, ‘Academic degrees may take you to the top, but only discipline and character can keep you there,’” he warned. “Discipline and character entail honesty, integrity, patience, and perseverance—values that will open doors for you in the world.”

“As you leave these prestigious walls of RMU with pride, I urge you to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and discipline. Make RMU and Africa proud. Remember, you carry our blessings as you venture into the maritime world—do not let us down.”

The Liberian leader extended heartfelt gratitude to the Board of Governors, faculty, management, teaching staff, and students of RMU, expressing the wish that the “University continued success in its pursuit of excellence in maritime education and training.”

“With profound joy, I bring heartfelt greetings from the gracious and resilient people of the Republic of Liberia to my dear brother and friend, His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, President of the Republic of Ghana, the good people of Ghana, and the representatives of our distinguished member states of the Regional Maritime University (RMU),” he said.

President Boakai further said he was deeply honored and humbled by to serve as this year’s Commencement Keynote Speaker and Chief Guest of Honour for the 18th Convocation ceremonies of this prestigious university, which he acknowledged has consistently exemplified academic excellence in line with its motto, Centre of Excellence.

“I am immensely grateful to the Board of Governors, Faculty, Management, and Staff of the Regional Maritime University for this extraordinary recognition, accompanied by the award of an Honorary Doctorate Degree to be bestowed upon me today. As they say in Twi, ‘Meddase pii!!. Liberia holds this honor in the highest regard, and we are exceptionally gratified by this distinction on this historic day.”

Boakai stated further: “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. This remarkable success is the result of hard work, dedication, and the visionary leadership of the University’s faculty. We, as member states of the RMU, remain indebted to you for the greatness you have nurtured within these walls.”

He recalled that the RMU began as the Ghana Maritime Academy in 1958, a small learning institution owned by the Government of Ghana.

“In 1983, it evolved into the Regional Maritime Academy when four other West African countries joined to share the responsibilities of running the institution. Decades later, on October 25, 2007, it attained full university status and was launched as the Regional Maritime University by the former President of Ghana, John Agyekum Kufuor.”

he commended the five member states of the RMU for envisioning and realizing the establishment of a regional Maritime University to educate and mentor seafarers in the sub-region and beyond.

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, the Liberian Chief Executive told his audience.

“I can proudly say conceiving the idea of the Regional Maritime University was visionary. This collaborative effort is a testament to the foresight of our founding fathers and a mark of Pan-Africanism, pioneered by visionaries like Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, the first President of Ghana.”