MONROVIA, Liberia -The Liberia Maritime Authority (LiMA) has announced the departure of 22 Liberian scholarship beneficiaries to the Regional Maritime University (RMU) in Accra, Ghana, where they will pursue specialized maritime education and professional training.
The scholarship initiative is part of LiMA’s broader efforts to strengthen human capital and develop a highly skilled Liberian workforce capable of playing a greater role in the country’s maritime sector.
At RMU, one of the region’s leading institutions for maritime education and training, the beneficiaries are expected to receive academic and technical training in areas relevant to Liberia’s maritime industry.
The 22 students were selected following a thorough vetting process conducted jointly with the Liberia office of the West Africa Examination Council (WAEC).
Speaking on the initiative, LiMA Director of Training, Mr. Joel Oscar Dickerson, described the scholarship program as a significant investment in the future of Liberia’s maritime industry.
“This scholarship program is about investing in Liberians and preparing them with the knowledge, skills, and professional discipline required to compete and succeed in the maritime industry.”
Mr. Dickerson said the beneficiaries are not simply pursuing academic qualifications but are preparing to become future professionals and leaders within Liberia’s maritime ecosystem.
He encouraged the students to make the most of the opportunity by remaining committed to academic excellence, professional discipline and service to Liberia.
“Our expectation is that each beneficiary will return to Liberia with a strong sense of responsibility and a commitment to applying what they have learned for the advancement of our maritime sector,” he said.
The Commissioner/Chief Executive Officer of the Liberia Maritime Authority, Cllr. Neto Zarzar Lighe, Sr., said the scholarship program reflects LiMA’s determination to develop a new generation of Liberian maritime professionals.
“The future of Liberia’s maritime sector depends largely on the quality of people we prepare today,” Commissioner Lighe said. “We must deliberately invest in education, professional training, and capacity building if Liberia is to maintain its position as a major maritime nation and ensure that Liberians increasingly occupy critical positions within the maritime ecosystem.”
Commissioner Lighe added that LiMA considers human-capital development essential to strengthening Liberia’s maritime administration and expanding opportunities for Liberians both domestically and internationally.
“These scholarships are more than educational opportunities; they are an investment in Liberia’s future,” he said.
He emphasized that LiMA’s responsibility is to create pathways for Liberians to access opportunities in the maritime industry, while urging the beneficiaries to pursue their studies with excellence, integrity and dedication.
The 22 beneficiaries will undergo specialized studies and training at RMU, acquiring knowledge and professional skills that could contribute to areas including maritime administration, shipping, seafaring, port operations, maritime safety and other related fields.
LiMA says the initiative forms part of its broader strategy to strengthen Liberia’s maritime sector through capacity building, professional development, international partnerships and human-resource development.
According to the Authority, developing a strong pool of qualified Liberian maritime professionals will help enhance the country’s domestic maritime capacity while creating greater opportunities for Liberians to participate in the global maritime industry.
The scholarship recipients have been encouraged to represent Liberia with distinction throughout their studies and return home equipped to contribute meaningfully to national development and the advancement of the country’s maritime sector.