MONROVIA, LIBERIA-Liberia’s Permanent Representative to the International Maritime Organization, Ambassador Robert Kpadeh, is exploring the possibility of increasing Liberian enrolment at the World Maritime University (WMU).

 Ambassador Kpadeh said:” As Liberia envisions the need to potentially prioritize its blue economy to effectively yield economic growth and spur job creation, the need for capacity building cannot be overemphasized.”

He wants the Country’s enrolment to increase beyond fellowships, considering the significant role of the World Maritime University in capacity building for the global Maritime Sector.

According to a dispatch, Ambassador Kpadeh commented on Monday, January 20, 2025, when he held talks with the President of the World Maritime University, Professor Max Mejia, in Sweden, as part of his two-day working visit.

Ambassador Kpadeh also expressed the desire of the Liberia Maritime Authority to collaborate with the WMU, to set up a Department of Maritime study with different programs and modules smartly tailored to meet both international and local needs.

He pleaded with Professor Mejia to grant the Liberian Maritime Sector short-term refresher training, including the Liberia Maritime Academy, National Port Authority, and the Environment Protection Agency, among others, to enhance efficiency at the higher levels of these institutions.

Meanwhile, the President of the World Maritime University, Professor Max Mejia, has assured Ambassador Kpadeh that Liberia has a special place in the walls of the University.

Professor Mejia praised the performance of Liberian students in their respective academic sojourns at the University over the years, and the careers beyond the walls of the Institution.

The World Maritime University President also thanked Liberia for its incredible and productive leadership in international shipping, as the world’s largest and acclaimed Ship Registry.

According to the release, he pointed out Liberia’s outstanding contributions to the International Maritime Organization and its exemplary leadership in global shipping.

On the issue of increasing Liberian enrolment at WMU and building a partnership with the University of Liberia, among others, Professor Mejia said:” The University is ready to assist Liberia in strengthening its maritime manpower expertise.”

By: Frederick Teegwiah, Jr.