Accra, Ghana - His Excellency Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., President of the Republic of Liberia has called on graduates of the Regional Maritime University to be disciplined, focused, hardworking and prayerful in their strides if they are to be successful.

The President spoke as Commencement Speaker and Chief Guest of Honor at the 18th Graduation Ceremony of the Regional Maritime University in Accra, Ghana on Saturday, June 29, 2024.

In his address, President Boakai encouraged the graduates to embody discipline, hard work, and prayerfulness in their pursuit of success.

He emphasized the significance of character and determination, as he shared valuable insights on achieving success even far beyond academic achievements.

The President expressed his deep appreciation for the establishment of a regional institution like the Regional Maritime University which caters to students interested in the maritime industry.

He applauded the visionary leaders who played pivotal roles in the establishment and progress of the University, recognizing the contributions of visionaries such as Kwame Nkrumah and John Agyekum Kufuor.

Furthermore, he commended the leadership and faculty of the University for their relentless dedication and outstanding leadership, which have positioned the Regional Maritime University as one of Africa’s foremost maritime educational institutions.

Acknowledging the significance of international trade and commerce via shipping, the Liberian Leader lauded the vision of the five member states of the RMU—Cameroon, Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, and Sierra Leone—in envisioning and actualizing the establishment of a regional maritime university to impart knowledge to seafarers within the subregion and beyond.

“Knowing that shipping would ultimately be the primary source of international trade and commerce, there was found the need for the region and the continent to prepare for leveraging this opportunity,” he recalled.

President Boakai outlined plans for collaboration between the RMU in Ghana and the Liberia Maritime Training Institute (LMTI) in Liberia to expand educational programs and ensure more Liberian students benefit from maritime education.

He also pledged to support the expansion of student accommodation facilities at the RMU.

As a testament to Liberia’s position as the world’s largest ship registry by gross tonnage, the Liberian Leader highlighted the cardinal role of maritime education in the country and reaffirmed the importance of institutions like the Liberia Maritime Training Institute and the Regional Maritime University in fostering the development of the maritime sector.

In recognition of his contributions to humanity, President Boakai was honored with the conferral of a 'Doctor of Humane Letters, Honoris Causa' by the Regional Maritime University.

Accepting the honor he expressed gratitude to the Board of Governors, faculty, management, teaching staff, and students for this prestigious recognition.

The Liberian Chief Executive concluded his speech by extending heartfelt congratulations to the graduates and administration for their outstanding achievements and encouraged the graduates to embrace dedication, determination, confidence, courage, and a competitive spirit of excellence as they embark on their future endeavors.