By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The Minister of Transport and Aviation of Sierra Leone, Ambassador Colonel (Rtd.) Alhaji Fanday Turay Esq., has officially handed over as Chancellor of the Regional Maritime University (RMU) and Chairman of the University's Board of Governors after completing a two-year tenure marked by institutional reforms, regional cooperation and significant academic growth.

The handover ceremony took place on Friday, 26 June 2026, during the 35th Meeting of the RMU Board of Governors held at Nungua in Accra, Ghana. In his farewell address, Ambassador Fanday Turay reflected on the progress achieved during Sierra Leone's chairmanship, expressing satisfaction that the University is stronger and better positioned for future growth than when he assumed office in 2024.

Addressing fellow Ministers, board members, university management, academic staff and delegates from the University's six Member States, Ambassador Fanday Turay described his tenure as one driven by collaboration, commitment and a shared vision to strengthen maritime education and training across the West African sub-region.

He highlighted several major accomplishments recorded during his leadership, noting that the admission of Guinea-Bissau as the sixth Member State represented a significant milestone in the University's expansion and regional integration agenda. According to him, the inclusion of Guinea-Bissau further strengthened the institution's role as a leading centre for maritime education in West Africa.

The outgoing Chancellor also pointed to substantial infrastructure development made possible through contributions from Liberia and Sierra Leone, which have enhanced the University's teaching and learning environment. He said those investments demonstrate the commitment of Member States to building a stronger institution capable of meeting the growing demand for skilled maritime professionals.

Ambassador Fanday Turay further disclosed that the University achieved a more than 30 percent increase in student enrolment during his tenure, reflecting growing confidence in the quality of education and professional training offered by the institution. He noted that the increase in enrolment, coupled with sustained financial stability, has placed RMU in a stronger position to expand its academic programmes and research activities.

Among the key achievements highlighted was the successful resolution of longstanding governance and leadership challenges that had affected the institution. He commended the Board of Governors and all stakeholders for working together to improve governance structures and promote institutional stability.

He also announced that the University secured two prestigious research grants from the Lloyd's Register Foundation, describing the achievement as a major boost to RMU's international reputation in maritime research and innovation. The grants, he said, will support research initiatives aimed at addressing critical challenges within the maritime sector while strengthening the University's global academic partnerships.

The outgoing Chancellor praised fellow Ministers, Board Members, the Acting Vice-Chancellor, the University's Management, the Committee of Experts and the Sierra Leone delegation for their unwavering support throughout his tenure. He acknowledged that the progress recorded over the past two years was the result of collective leadership and teamwork among all Member States.

Ambassador Fanday Turay welcomed the Board's agreement on a clear roadmap for appointing a substantive Vice-Chancellor, describing the decision as an important step towards ensuring continuity, effective governance and long-term institutional stability.

He also expressed optimism that ongoing discussions with the Government of Ghana regarding longstanding institutional matters would produce lasting solutions that would further strengthen the University's operations and governance framework.

As part of the official transition ceremony, Ambassador Fanday Turay formally handed over the University's flag and key institutional documents to his successor, symbolizing the peaceful transfer of leadership.

Reaffirming his commitment to the Regional Maritime University, Ambassador Fanday Turay described RMU as a strategic institution for developing Africa's maritime workforce and advancing regional integration through education and professional training.

He disclosed that approximately 400 students are expected to graduate during the University's forthcoming 20th Congregation, describing the milestone as another testament to RMU's continued growth and relevance.

Concluding his address, Ambassador Fanday Turay thanked the Member States, Board of Governors, Management, staff, students and development partners for the confidence and support they accorded him throughout his tenure. He emphasized that while leadership positions are temporary, his dedication to the Regional Maritime University and the advancement of maritime education in Africa will remain a lifelong commitment. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/amb-fanday-turay-hands-over-rmu-leadership-following-two-years-of-institutional-transformation/