“MET is gaining momentum among the public due to the prom­ising employment opportunities it could offer graduates,” Dr Brooks Jr said.

He stressed the need for investment in infrastructure to accommodate the growing interest and enrollment in maritime pro­grammes.

Speaking at the university’s 19th Congregation ceremony held in Accra on Saturday, Dr Brooks Jr. noted a significant increase in stu­dent admissions for the 2024/2025 academic year, particularly among female students enrolling in the sea-going programme.

“Female enrollment in the sea-going programme increased to 99, compared to 35 in the 2023/2024 academic year. Overall, the cadet regiment has risen from 248 to 480,” he stated.

In light of this, he announced that the university would seek sup­port from individuals, organisations and especially stakeholders in the maritime industry to assist in the construction of new classrooms and hostels to accommodate the steadily growing student popula­tion.

“Additionally, the Board has approved that the university may enter into agreements with estate developers willing to construct hostels on a build-operate-transfer, build-and-jointly-operate, or any other mutually beneficial arrange­ment,” he added.

Dr Brooks Jr. also commended the government of Liberia for con­structing a two-storey hostel for the university and the government of Sierra Leone for funding the virtual classroom project.

A total of 372 students graduat­ed with Master’s degrees, Bachelor’s degrees and diplomas in various fields. Of these, 66 received Mas­ter’s degrees, 231 earned Bachelor’s degrees and 75 were awarded diplomas.

Awards were presented to out­standing students, with the Overall Best Postgraduate Student Award going to Fugah Hope Kwame.

University staff were also recognised for their exceptional dedication. Mr Prosper Mawusi and Mr Isaac Kofi Entsie were named Employees of the Year (Se­nior Staff – Non-Teaching), while the Vice Chancellor’s Award was presented to Mr Ebenezer Abban.