Sierra Leone’s Minister of Transport and Aviation, Ambassador Col. (Rtd.) Alhaji Fanday Turay Esq. has formally handed over as Chancellor of the Regional Maritime University (RMU) and Chairman of its Board of Governors, bringing to a close a two-year tenure he described as one of significant growth, institutional stability and strengthened regional cooperation.
Delivering his farewell address at the 35th Meeting of the Board of Governors in Accra, the Sierra Leonean Minister of Transport and Aviation said the University is stronger today than when Sierra Leone assumed the chairmanship in 2024.
Reflecting on his stewardship, Ambassador Turay highlighted a series of milestones achieved through the collective efforts of the University’s six Member States. These included the admission of Guinea-Bissau as the sixth Member State, major infrastructure contributions from Liberia and Sierra Leone, improved governance through the resolution of longstanding leadership issues, a more than 30 percent increase in student enrolment, and sustained financial stability.
He also noted the University’s success in securing two prestigious research grants from the Lloyd’s Register Foundation, further enhancing RMU’s international profile in maritime research and education.
The outgoing Chancellor praised fellow ministers, Board members, the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Management, the Committee of Experts and the Sierra Leone delegation for their dedication and support throughout his tenure. He also welcomed the Board’s agreement on a clear roadmap for appointing a substantive Vice-Chancellor, describing the decision as essential to ensuring strong and stable leadership for the institution.
Ambassador Turay further expressed confidence that discussions held with Ghanaian authorities on longstanding institutional matters would pave the way for lasting solutions.
As he officially handed over the University’s flag and institutional documents to his successor, Ambassador Turay reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to the Regional Maritime University and regional integration.
He described RMU as a vital institution for developing Africa’s maritime workforce, noting that about 400 students are expected to graduate at the University’s 20th Congregation. Concluding his address, he thanked Member States, staff, students and partners for their trust and cooperation, saying that while leadership is temporary, service to the University and the region would remain a lifelong commitment.
In his acceptance remarks, the incoming Chancellor of the Regional Maritime University and Chairman of the Board of Governors, Ghana’s Minister for Transport, Honourable Joseph Bukari Nikpe, expressed profound appreciation for the confidence reposed in Ghana to lead the University’s highest governing body over the next two years.
He paid glowing tribute to Ambassador Fanday Turay for his exemplary leadership and the remarkable progress recorded during Sierra Leone’s tenure, describing the achievements as a solid foundation upon which the incoming Board would build.
Hon. Nikpe reaffirmed Ghana’s unwavering commitment to the ideals of regional cooperation, academic excellence and institutional development that have defined the Regional Maritime University for more than six decades. He pledged to work closely with all Member States, the University’s Management, development partners and other stakeholders to consolidate recent gains while addressing emerging challenges in maritime education and training.
The new Chancellor assured the Board that the appointment of a substantive Vice-Chancellor, strengthening governance structures, expanding infrastructure, promoting innovation and enhancing the University’s global competitiveness would remain key priorities during Ghana’s chairmanship.
He called on all Member States to continue demonstrating unity and collective ownership of the institution, stressing that RMU remains a strategic asset for producing the skilled maritime professionals required to drive Africa’s blue economy and regional integration.
“I accept this responsibility with humility and a deep sense of duty. Together, we will continue to build a stronger Regional Maritime University that responds effectively to the evolving needs of the maritime industry and serves as a centre of excellence for Africa and beyond,” Hon. Nikpe stated.
Delivering brief remarks, the Secretary General of the Maritime Organization of West and Central Africa (MOWCA), His Excellency Dr. Paul Adalikwu, congratulated Ambassador Fanday Turay for what he described as a successful and impactful tenure that strengthened the Regional Maritime University and reinforced cooperation among Member States.
Dr. Adalikwu also congratulated Honourable Joseph Bukari Nikpe on assuming the chairmanship of the Board of Governors, expressing confidence in Ghana’s capacity to provide effective leadership in advancing the University’s strategic objectives.
He reaffirmed MOWCA’s continued support for RMU as the region’s premier maritime training institution, emphasizing that investment in maritime education, research and human capital development remains essential for unlocking the enormous potential of West and Central Africa’s maritime sector.
The Secretary General urged Member States to sustain their collective commitment to the University, noting that stronger partnerships and coordinated action would further position RMU as a leading centre for maritime excellence, innovation and regional integration.
Credit
Mahmoud Kamara, Ministry of Transport and Aviation, Sierra Leone.
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Monday, 29th June 2026 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
