Over 400 graduating students of the Regional Maritime University, (RMU), in Accra have been urged to “be fearless” to take up leadership roles as they step out into the world of life.

The students have also been advised to ensure that the judicious times they spent with the university become beneficial to society and their respective countries as a whole.

A total of 444 graduates passed out and they were awarded Diplomas, Bachelors, and Masters Degrees.

Of the number, 50 received Masters degrees, 324 received Bachelors degrees while 70 were awarded diplomas.

Also, 12 per cent of the undergraduates, graduated with First Class Honours, 59 per cent with Second Class Upper Division, and 26 per cent with Second Class Lower Division degrees.

While 4 per cent and 33 per cent of the diploma candidates obtained Distinction and Upper Credit respectively.

Acting Vice Chancellor of the RMU, Dr. Jethro W. Brooks Jnr who was addressing the 17th Congregation of the RMU, said they should courageous and assume leadership roles.

“Finally, do not be afraid to take up leadership roles. Be courageous and take your chance when it comes.

“Push yourself to become the person you want to be, and above all, do not stop reading because successful people never stop learning,” Dr Brooks Jnr urged them.

While pointing to Warren Buffet, one of the world’s renowned billionaires words that, ‘fear is the most contagious disease you can inmagine,’ urged them to be brave.

“Be fearless, do not just sit under that tree of comfort, plant one today that someone someday down the line will also sit under yours and plant another one,” he stated.

*RMU, the Shiny example*

The Special Guest of Honour and Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology of The Republic of Gambia, Prof. Pierre Gomez acknowledged the RMU’s leadership position for the integration of African resources towards sustainable growth.

“Regionalization and all its inherent benefits such as the harmonization of resources,skills and ideas remain a plausible action for Africa’s growth and development.

“RMU is therefore, a shiny example of such a model that others can use. It is hope that the pillars of this great union are further concretised for the actualization of the goals of this institution.”

The Executive Secretary of the Importers and Exporters Association, Samson Asaki Awingobit, and also a member of the M.A. Ports and Shipping Administration delivered a valedictory speech.

“We understand, having keenly participated in the various activities in academic
processes, some of the issues that this noble and great institution is bedevilled with andrequire some attention.

“I wish to assure management of the university that by our training here, we have become ambassadors and will be advocates for the necessary and requisite support and assistance to enable it maintain and enhance the training of maritime professionals in Africa.”

*Pioneer Class 58*

Some veterans said to be pioneers of Class of 1956 of the then Ghana Nautical College now (RMU) were awarded.

They are William Aklamati (Deck), J.E.K Rockson, Gabriel Dogbe (Deck), Kofi Tokyi Amoah, (Deck), Charles Pappoe (engineer and Fred AsAre Darko (engineer).

Special Posthumous Awards went to Ing. George Kuntu Blankson de Graft-Johns and the Late Joshua Kobla Tettey Tay, Administrative Assistant at the Registry Unit, RMU.

*Best worker’s awards*

Mr. Alfred Ofori Abebrese and Mr. Francis K. Korsah both Senior Staff Teaching were recognized. Whilst Mrs. Akosua N. Owusu-Mensah was recognized as the best Senior Staff Non-Teaching, Mr. Osei Asante (Junior Staff and The Vice Chancellor’s Award went to Mr. Isaac K. Acheampong.

The RMU which marks its 65th anniversary of the establishment of the then Ghana Nautical College, is now into 40 years of its regionalization in 1983 which brought on board the Republic of Cameroon, The Gambia, Liberia and Sierra Leone.

Source: Kasapafmonline.com/Murtala Inusah