Nine Liberian students were among the 372 graduates honoured at the 19th Congregation Ceremony of the Regional Maritime University (RMU) held on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at the university’s parade grounds in Accra.
The event, attended by government officials, diplomats, maritime industry leaders, traditional rulers, and family members, celebrated the academic achievements of students who earned qualifications across master’s, bachelor’s, and diploma programmes in various maritime and engineering disciplines.
Representing Liberia, three students earned master’s degrees in Port and Shipping Administration: Derrick Pehou Barshell, George Duke Brown, and Watson Monkalla Chelley. At the undergraduate level, Faith Leo Jackson and Abraham Leeboy Morris were awarded Bachelor of Science degrees in Nautical Science. Tawo Pukie Siafolo, Sharon Musulyn Kamara, and Blojay Felix Zeekeh graduated with degrees in Marine Engineering. Meanwhile, Besetta Gray, who served as President of the Liberian Students’ Union at RMU, earned a degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering. She expressed her appreciation to Liberia Maritime Authority Commissioner, Cllr. Neto Zarzar Lighe Sr., for his unwavering support to Liberian students.
In his address, Acting Vice Chancellor Dr. Jethro W. Brooks Jr. highlighted the university’s academic progress, including the introduction of new postgraduate programmes in Blue Economy and Maritime Law. He also announced the implementation of a mandatory four-year cadetship for all sea-going students starting from the 2025/2026 academic session.
Dr. Brooks acknowledged Liberia’s vital role in the development of RMU’s infrastructure, particularly the construction of a two-storey student hostel on campus. He called on the Government of Liberia to consider expanding the facility with two additional floors to meet growing demand and increased female participation in maritime programmes.
Chancellor and Board Chairman, Ambassador Alhaji Fanday Turay, commended member states—including Liberia—for their ongoing support. He described the 2025 graduating class as “the future custodians of the global shipping industry.”
Following the ceremony, Commissioner Lighe hosted a dinner in honour of the nine Liberian graduates, congratulating them for their resilience and academic success. He assured them of the Liberia Maritime Authority’s commitment to facilitating job placements in collaboration with industry stakeholders.
The graduation reaffirmed RMU’s reputation as a leading centre for maritime education in West and Central Africa and underscored the shared commitment of member states—Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Cameroon, and The Gambia—to strengthen the region’s maritime sector.
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