Following dearth of modern technological equipment to train its students, the board of the Regional Maritime University, Accra, Ghana has given an approval to the university authorities to take a $1.5 million bank facility to acquire the necessary equipment that will enhance the training of the students.
Fielding questions from members of the Maritime Reporters’ Association of Nigeria (MARAN) who participated in the 2nd International Capacity Building Workshop For Media/Public Relations Executives In The Maritime Industry organized by Balm of Gilead Communications with the support of the university, the Rector, Mr. Alock Asamuah said the fund will be used to procure modern equipment for the university’s laboratory.
He said, besides the laboratory equipment, the university is also in dire need of welding machines and some other machinery for the practical training of the students.
“Technology is moving very fast and new inventions are coming up and this makes learning easier with respect to equipment and modern technology. Trying to march modern technology with respect to equipment is our major challenge mainly due to scarcity of fund. We are in a very awkward position because when we want to increase the students’ fees, to enable us support this modern technological innovation that we need, member states look at the salaries of citizens in the various countries and they say no, this school fees will be unaffordable to our members. Therefore, we have to keep the fees low. And that affects the inflow, and of course, the funds available for this modern equipment,” he said
The Regional Maritime University has five member- states which include: Cameroon, The Gambia, Sierra Leone, Liberia and Ghana which is the host country that provides accommodation and other facilities.
Asamoah said the idea behind the establishment of the university was to help member states to build capacity for the maritime industry. “About eight years ago, we were doing only the courses for sea going personnel, but now, we have started programmes in ports and shipping to take care of the shore based personnel as well”. However, though it is difficult, we are doing our best. With respect to stimulators, we now have full simulator, but, we are yet to acquire the engine room simulator. We also mass modernized our laboratories. When you look at the equipment they are not the modern type”.
The workshop was organized to expose participants to new trends in flag and port state administration as well as do a critical appraisal of public private partnerships of maritime infrastructure and review of port and shipping developments in West Africa.
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