A picture of the members of convocation and graduands
The College of Education held congregation ceremonies for graduands who completed their undergraduate programmes of study in the 2021/2022 academic year in March, 2023.
The ceremonies took place on 21st and 23rd March, 2023 at the Cedi Conference Centre and the Great Hall respectively.
Mr. Joseph Oduro Nkansah, College Secretary of the College of Education
In his introductory remarks, Mr. Joseph Oduro Nkansah, College Secretary of the College of Education who spoke on behalf of the Registrar acknowledged the numerous obstacles that the graduating class had to overcome in their course of study in the University. “There have been many disruptions to academic work over the past few years. First from Covid-19, and then from various industrial action and today we salute all students who have braved the storm and uncertainties and satisfied the requirement for graduation,” he stated.
Prof. Samuel Nii Ardey Codjoe, Provost of the College of Education
During the ceremonies, the Provost of the College of Education, Prof. Samuel Nii Ardey Codjoe recognised the international and Ghanaian students of the graduating class of the 2021/2022 academic year who were from 50 countries. The countries included Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, United Kingdom, United States of America, Zambia and Zimbabwe.”
Mrs. Yvette Adouno Atekpe, member of the University Council
In the Chancellor’s welcome address delivered on her behalf by Mrs. Yvette Adouno Atekpe and Mrs. Doris Kisiwa Ansah- members of the University Council on 21st and 23rd March, 2023 respectively, she expressed her delight in the adaptation and utilisation of technology in teaching students by University management.
She called on corporate bodies and individuals to contribute to the Vice-Chancellors Student Digitalisation Initiative which includes; one student one laptop, classroom modernisation initiative and hotspot comfort zone.
Mrs. Doris Kisiwa Ansah, member of the University Council
She urged University management to continue prioritising gender equity and equality in all spheres. She used the opportunity to applaud the launch of the University’s Gender Policy, which addresses key areas such as equal opportunities, gender sensitivity, and gender balance.
After her invigorating speech, she declared the Congregation duly constituted for the awards of degree and diploma to the graduands.
Prof. Felix A. Asante, Pro Vice-Chancellor of Research, Innovation and Development
Subsequently, the Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Research, Innovation and Development, Prof. Felix A. Asante who delivered a report on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor gave an update on the development of the University in the last academic year.
Prof. Asante stated that a total of 11, 711 students were graduating from the four Colleges as well as the School of Graduate Studies. Giving a breakdown, he stated that it consists of 2,918 graduate students, including 112 PhD students and 2,816 Masters students, while 8,331 are graduating with Bachelor’s degrees, and 462 with diplomas.
Furthermore, he mentioned that scholarships had been awarded to brilliant and deserving students; some who are persons with special needs. He stated that the University was constructing hostel facilities to mitigate the accommodation crisis and also highlighted on other key developmental areas of the institution.
Mr. Nana Dwemoh Benneh delivering his speech
Speaking at the ceremonies, the Guest Speaker Mr. Nana Dwemoh Benneh highlighted on the disparity in opportunities for graduates in the late 90’s as compared to those in recent times. He pinpointed several technological advancements and job descriptions which hitherto were unheard of and encouraged graduands to take advantage of smart applications that can aid them in learning and acquiring new skills in a variety of fields.
“The opportunities your world presents to you are enviable. For most of us, when we were graduating in 1996, our ambition was to find a good paying job in a good company. Or alternatively, to pursue further studies aligning to the degree we obtained. You however, are entering into the age of entrepreneurship. Driven by business models based not only on the knowledge you have gained at the University but complimented by skills based on technology”, he indicated.
He also added that “variables like AI, robotics, programming and software programming are now key and can now be acquired online from wherever you are. It is a digital world now.”
He encouraged the graduating class to be curious, adventurous, and imaginative and utilise all the information and knowledge resources readily available to achieve their dreams.
Mr. Collins Dotse Tsakpo delivering his valedictory speech
In his speech, the valedictorian for the 21st March session, Mr. Collins Dotse Tsakpo from the School of Education and Leadership who graduated with a Final Grade Point Average (FGPA) of 3.81, recollected the freedom that teachers in High School promised students when they made it into the university; as against the reality that was met in school with different expectations and responsibilities from all spheres.
He urged his graduating class to be the difference society has long awaited. “As we aspire to go further with our endeavours, I urge you to be the difference society has long awaited. If you cannot find a good job, create one, where you cannot find good leaders, be one, in all these, remember “integri procedamus”- Proceed with integrity.”
Ms. Hannah Ayamba delivering her valedictory speech
Consequently, the valedictorian for the 23rd March, 2023 session Ms. Hannah Ayamba from the School of Continuing and Distance Education with a Final Grade Point Average (FGPA) of 3.84, encouraged the graduating class to conceive and believe; for they can achieve. Drawing inferences from her personal experiences, she acknowledged the obstacles that the graduation class may have faced in their quest for higher education. She encouraged the class to remain resolute amidst challenges and aim for the sky.
“I wish you hope, even in the face of uncertainty presented by the current global crisis. I hope that wherever you end up, you become a catalyst of change and leave a lasting positive impact on our communities founded on empathy and compassion. I hope things get better and we all farewell in our endeavours.” she said.
Prof. Olivia A.T.F. Kwapong, Dean of the School of Continuing and Distance Education putting on a medallion for a first-class graduate
During the congregation ceremonies, first class students of the College of Education were presented with medallions.
A first-class graduate receiving a medallion from Mr. Joseph Oduro Nkansah
The March 2023 Congregation saw two sessions solely dedicated to graduands who completed their studies in Bachelor of Arts in Education (English and Non-Teaching), Bachelor of Science in Education, Bachelor of Arts in Sports and Physical Culture Studies, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science in Administration, Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Diploma in Accounting, Diploma in Adult Education, Diploma in Librarianship, Diploma in Public Administration and Diploma in Youth in Development Work.
Present at the ceremonies were representatives from the Accra and Peki Colleges of Education which are affiliated to the University of Ghana.
Congratulations to our newly graduated former students of the College of Education.