Freetown, Sierra Leone – May 3, 2024 – Sierra Leone is set to take over the leadership of the Regional Maritime University
(RMU) in June 2024, marking a significant milestone in the country’s maritime education and development initiatives.
In accordance with policy directives, the Ministry of Transport and Aviation will assume the pivotal role of Chancellor and Board Chairman at the Regional Maritime University. Concurrently, the Executive Director of the Sierra Leone Maritime Administration (SLMA) will be appointed as the new Chairman of the Expert Committee of the university.
The ascent to leadership underscores the tireless efforts and commitment of the Executive Director in advancing the goals of the SLMA and the Ministry of Transport and Aviation. Through strategic initiatives such as the signing of agreements for the training of Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping (STCW) and forklift training, as well as the domestication of the country’s STCW convention, Sierra Leone has emerged as a proactive contributor to maritime excellence.
Established in 1983, the Regional Maritime University serves as a premier institution for providing professional training qualifications for maritime experts and engineers across West and Central Africa. Hosted by Ghana in Accra, the university has been instrumental in fostering regional collaboration and capacity building in the maritime sector.
Over the years, Sierra Leone has sent a limited number of students to the university, with varying degrees of success. However, under the dynamic leadership of the Executive Director, there has been a notable increase in scholarships awarded to Sierra Leonean students and greater participation from Sierra Leone in the university’s programs.
The remarkable progress achieved by Sierra Leone under the leadership of the Executive Director has garnered international recognition, with both the RMU and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) endorsing Sierra Leone’s active involvement in academic debates and seminars. As guest speakers, Sierra Leonean representatives share insights on maritime issues and the blue economy, further solidifying Sierra Leone’s position as a regional leader in maritime education and development.
For inquiries, please contact:
Sulaiman Musa
Head, Public Relations Department
Sierra Leone Maritime Administration
communications@maritime.gov.sl
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