The Chairman of the Committee of Experts of the Regional Maritime University (RMU) and Senior Permanent Secretary in Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Transport and Aviation, Rev. Edward Kwame Yankson, has called for urgent reforms and increased investment to position the university to meet the rapidly evolving demands of the global maritime industry.
Speaking at the opening of the 35th Board of Governors Meeting of the Regional Maritime University held on Tuesday, 23 June 2026, in Nungua, Accra, Ghana, Rev. Edward Kwame Yankson stressed the need for the institution to modernize its academic programmes and infrastructure in response to emerging challenges in maritime safety, technological advancement, sustainable shipping and the blue economy.
He commended the university’s Management for introducing new academic programmes in the Blue Economy, Maritime Law and postgraduate studies, while also strengthening research and collaboration with industry stakeholders.
Despite those achievements, Rev. Edward Kwame Yankson observed that inadequate funding, limited infrastructure and the need for continuous curriculum modernization remain major obstacles to the university’s growth. He called on member states to reinforce regional cooperation and ensure equitable access to maritime education, expressing concern that Sierra Leone currently has only four students enrolled at the institution.
The RMU Committee of Experts Chairman further advocated for increased investment in digital learning, research and innovation, while encouraging stronger partnerships with the maritime industry and the establishment of sustainable financing mechanisms. He also emphasized the importance of scholarships and student exchange programmes to expand educational opportunities for students across member states.
Rev. Edward Kwame Yankson concluded by urging the Board of Governors and member states to collectively support the proposed reforms, expressing confidence that with sustained commitment and innovation, RMU would strengthen its position as one of Africa’s leading maritime education and research institutions.
Delivering his address, Acting Vice-Chancellor Dr. Jethro W. Brooks Jr. reported that the university had successfully completed the 2024/2025 academic year within a peaceful academic environment despite operational challenges.
He disclosed that recurring electricity and water supply disruptions compelled the university to undertake extensive campus re-electrification works and invest in alternative water sources, including the drilling of five boreholes.
“These measures were necessary to ensure uninterrupted operations and improve service delivery to students and staff,” Dr. Jethro W. Brooks Jr. stated.
He further revealed that the university had invested in additional accommodation and learning facilities to accommodate growing student enrolment, including bunk beds, mattresses, lecture theatre furniture and ICT laboratory equipment.
According to the Acting Vice-Chancellor, the introduction of the “Identify and Fix” maintenance initiative has significantly improved campus conditions and reduced accommodation-related complaints, reflecting Management’s commitment to enhancing student welfare and institutional development.
Presenting the Students’ Representative Council (SRC) report, outgoing SRC President Seth N-Antibie Adamu highlighted several achievements recorded during his tenure, including improved campus lighting, student loan registration, career mentorship programmes, sports development, internship opportunities and enhanced academic support services.
However, he also drew attention to challenges confronting students, including overcrowded classrooms, inadequate library space, insufficient learning resources and the need for additional scholarships and financial assistance. He appealed to the university’s Management and Board of Governors to address those concerns in order to improve student welfare and academic performance.
Representing staff, Felix Koney thanked the Board and university Management for their continued commitment to staff welfare and reaffirmed employees’ dedication to supporting the institution’s growth and long-term success.
He called for a review of the university’s service-benefit structure to eliminate disparities and ensure fairness in the allocation of benefits based on years of service. Felix Koney also appealed for the consolidation of medical allowances for spouses and dependent children to improve healthcare support for staff families.
Additionally, he raised concerns over the persistent water shortages affecting the university and the increasing electricity costs arising from the institution’s current tariff classification.
Felix Koney further urged the Board to prioritize investment in larger lecture halls and additional student accommodation to meet rising enrolment, noting that improved infrastructure would enhance the learning environment, expand the university’s capacity and generate additional revenue.
He concluded by calling for timely action on the issues raised and expressed optimism that the Board would continue supporting initiatives aimed at improving staff welfare while strengthening the Regional Maritime University’s standing as a leading maritime institution in the West African sub-region.
