A Congregation ceremony has been held for undergraduate and graduate students in the College of Education who successfully completed their programmes and met requirements for graduation in the 2017/2018 academic year. A total of 1409 students made up of 1147 undergraduates, 54 graduate students, and 208 Diploma students graduated on Saturday, April 28, 2018. 8 percent of diplomates graduated with distinctions, while 2 percent of undergraduates obtained first class honours, 39 percent second class upper division degrees, 44 percent second class lower and 15 percent third class.
A cross section of the graduating class
Professor Yaw Twumasi, Chairman of the University Council, who presided over the congregation ceremony, extended a warm welcome to all gathered and congratulated the graduating students.
Prof. Yaw Twumasi, Chairman of Council
The Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Academic and Student Affairs, Professor Kwame Offei who delivered the Vice-Chancellor’s address, congratulated all graduating students, particularly, the first batch of students to graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing under the Distance Education Programme.
He noted that the cohort graduating completed their final examinations at the end of January 2018 and congratulated faculty and administrators who had worked tirelessly to make sure that all results were submitted and approved, and who had put in place all arrangements for a successful graduation ceremony. The Pro-Vice-Chancellor spoke about initiatives through which the University is making headway in achieving its vision, noting that he was certain that the input of staff, students and other stakeholders, would add the much needed push to advance the vision. He expressed appreciation to the chairpersons and members of the strategic teams formed to champion the strategic objectives of the University and ensure that the University achieves its vision of becoming a world class, research intensive University.
Professor Kwame Offei Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Academic and Student Affairs
Touching on research in the College of Education, the Pro-Vice-Chancellor noted that the College Research Board has sent out a call for applications for research grants to encourage faculty interest in research and grantsmanship. The three categories of grants are Seed Grants, Departmental Collaborative Research Grants and Early-Stage Researcher Grants.
Professor Offei reported on the increase in enrolment in Learning Centers, following the reintroduction of mature admissions for Distance Education students, in the 2017/2018 academic year. He also spoke about strategies the University is planning to cope with the anticipated rise in numbers of Senior High School students seeking admission to the University, as a result of the free SHS policy. He noted that a proposal on the introduction of additional City Campuses in the regions is currently being developed, and was hopeful that when completed and approved, this will enable the University admit many more qualified applicants to undergraduate programmes.
Guest Speaker, Ms. Yolanda Zoleka Cuba
Ms. Yolanda Zoleka Cuba, Chief Executive Officer of Vodafone Ghana was the Guest Speaker for the ceremony. Her speech was centered on three themes: Purposing to be extraordinary, seizing the moment and being deliberate about becoming successful. She told the graduating students that history has always been about the story of the victor, and there are constantly memories of those who stand out and dare to be different. She encouraged the graduating students to strive to be different as they move outside the walls of the university and enter into the next phase of their lives.
She quoted Dr. Kwegyir Aggrey, who said, “Don’t tell me what you can do. Show me”, noting that people are more sensitive to and more likely to pay attention to those who are determined to want to disrupt the system.
She told the graduating students that there is nothing wrong with not immediately having a clear idea of what their career path is going to be, and encouraged them to embrace what they have and strive for perfection in every task they are given.
Mr. Gideon A. Atanuriba, a graduating Nursing student from the Tamale Learning Centre, delivered the valedictory address on behalf of the graduands. He noted that many of them had experienced various challenges in the course of their studies, and was grateful that in spite of the obstacles, they had been able to sail through and were graduating successfully. On behalf of the graduating class, he thanked all who contributed in various ways to their success.
He urged his fellow graduating students to make it their aim to influence the world in a positive way, wherever they may find themselves.
As part of the ceremony, academic awards were presented to three outstanding graduating students from the Distance Education Programme: Mr. Samuel Obeng-Gyan received the Mr. Wisdom Sedofia Korsinah Award for the Best Graduating student in BSc. Administration; Mr. Benjamin Asare Brako received the Mr. Felix Nyarko-Pong prize for the Best Graduating Bachelor of Arts student; while Mr. Gideon A. Atanuriba, the valedictorian, received the Professor Cephas Omenyo Prize for the Best Graduating Distance Education Student.
Mr. Gideon Atanuriba giving the valedictory address
The College of Education salutes all the new graduates, and wishes them well.
Group picture of officials after Congregation
