By Christian Appleton
Monrovia, Liberia – In a historic move to strengthen the nation’s maritime industry, the Liberia Maritime Authority (LiMA) has awarded full academic scholarships to 22 Liberian students. This year’s recipients, the largest group ever sponsored by the Authority, will pursue advanced studies at the Regional Maritime University (RMU) in Accra, Ghana.
The students were selected through a competitive process and will enroll in undergraduate and postgraduate programs crucial to the maritime sector. Their fields of study include Ports and Shipping Administration, International Shipping and Logistics, Environmental Management, Renewable Energy Engineering, and Marine Engineering.
During the announcement, Commissioner and CEO of LiMA, Cllr. Neto Zarzar Lighe Sr., highlighted the scholarship program as a strategic investment in the nation’s future. “Liberia’s position as a leading maritime nation requires us to continuously build a strong cadre of qualified professionals who can meet emerging challenges in shipping, port management, and environmental sustainability,” said Cllr. Lighe. He also encouraged the students to be diligent and remember that they serve as ambassadors for Liberia.
Out of the 22 awardees, 19 will pursue postgraduate studies (11 males and 8 females), while three will be in undergraduate programs. Many of the postgraduate students will specialize in high-demand fields like Environmental Management, Renewable Energy Engineering, and Shipping Logistics—areas that are key to ensuring sustainable maritime development.
The Regional Maritime University is a leading institution for maritime education in West and Central Africa. Liberia’s partnership with RMU is seen as a strategic effort to help the nation maintain a competitive edge in the global maritime arena.
The students departed for Ghana on September 1, 2025, to begin their classes. This initiative is a significant step in Liberia’s broader effort to boost its human capital, strengthen maritime governance, and remain at the forefront of the international shipping and logistics industry.