Last Updated on November 13, 2024 by The Liberian Investigator
The Commissioner and CEO of the Liberia Maritime Authority (LiMA), Neto Zarzar Lighe, has called for placing research and innovation at the center of maritime education to secure the future of the industry in West Africa.
Speaking at the 32nd Board of Governors’ Meeting of the Regional Maritime University (RMU) in Monrovia, Lighe emphasized that education is the key to advancing the region’s maritime sector.
“The maritime sector is evolving rapidly,” he stated. “For RMU to maintain its position as a premier institution, it requires continuous investment—not just in infrastructure but also in innovation, research, and human resource development.”
Lighe’s remarks addressed several challenges facing the maritime industry, including infrastructure gaps, changing global standards in maritime operations, and the increasing demand for skilled professionals. He urged member states to take collective responsibility for RMU’s success, advocating for coordinated investments and support from each nation to ensure the institution’s growth.
“Our success hinges on the concerted efforts of each member state,” he said. “The continued viability and growth of RMU depend on contributions from all stakeholders, ensuring that the university has the resources and tools necessary to thrive.”
Lighe highlighted Liberia’s commitment to maritime training, noting the important role of the Liberia Maritime Training Institute (LMTI) in preparing future seafarers. He shared that 23 Liberian students are currently enrolled at RMU, where they are excelling in their studies, reflecting the high-quality education provided.
He emphasized the importance of collaboration among member states to transform RMU into a world-class institution: “The sustainability of RMU is not a single government’s task—it requires collective ownership, visionary leadership, and the continuous alignment of our goals.”
As the meeting concluded, Lighe encouraged all stakeholders to recognize RMU’s strategic role in national and regional development. He urged investment in capacity-building, innovation, and collaboration to secure a prosperous future for the maritime industry across West and Central Africa.
“With a hopeful outlook,” he stated, “May the year ahead bring renewed opportunities for growth and cooperation.”
The Chairman of the RMU Board of Governors, Hon. Fanday Turay, also spoke at the event. “The Regional Maritime University continues to be a beacon of hope for maritime training in our region,” he said. “We should all seek to maximize the benefits our various countries can derive from the training opportunities on offer.” Turay highlighted Sierra Leone’s partnership with RMU, which provides maritime training locally through a memorandum of understanding. He encouraged member states to leverage RMU’s human and material resources and expertise.
Dr. Paul Adalikwu, Secretary General of the Maritime Organization for West and Central Africa (MOWCA), commended Liberia for hosting the meeting. He noted that the event underscores RMU’s commitment to the regionalization policy. “I am particularly grateful for the warm hospitality extended by Liberia, a Category A country, and hope this status will influence our decisions as we aim to project RMU to compete with similar specialized institutions globally,” he stated.
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