By Saidu Jalloh, Daily Scope Newspaper
The Regional Maritime University has posted a more than 30 percent increase in student enrollment under Ambassador Fanday Turay, who formally handed over as Chancellor and Chairman of the Board of Governors on Thursday.
Speaking at the 35th Board of Governors meeting in Accra, the Sierra Leone Minister of Transport and Aviation said the institution is stronger and more stable than when his country assumed the chairmanship in 2024.
Turay credited progress to joint efforts by RMU’s six Member States. Key achievements included the admission of Guinea-Bissau as the sixth member, major infrastructure contributions from Liberia and Sierra Leone, and the resolution of longstanding leadership issues. The University also maintained financial stability and secured two research grants from the Lloyd’s Register Foundation, strengthening its profile in maritime research and education.
He praised fellow ministers, Board members, the Acting Vice-Chancellor, management, the Committee of Experts, and the Sierra Leone delegation for their support. Turay welcomed the Board’s agreement on a roadmap for appointing a substantive Vice-Chancellor, saying strong leadership would be essential for the institution’s next phase.
He also expressed confidence that discussions with Ghanaian authorities on pending institutional matters would yield lasting solutions. During the handover, Turay presented the University’s flag and official documents to his successor and restated his commitment to RMU and regional integration.
Describing RMU as critical to Africa’s maritime workforce development, he noted that about 400 students are expected to graduate at the University’s 20th Congregation. He thanked Member States, staff, students, and partners for their trust, adding that “while leadership is temporary, service to the University and the region will remain a lifelong commitment.”
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