The University of Ghana College of Education has matriculated more than 4,000 students enrolled in its Distance Education programme, alongside newly admitted students from the Kumasi and Takoradi City Campuses, at a hybrid matriculation ceremony. The Distance Education (DE) Matriculation class of 2026 made history as the first cohort on the programme to participate in an in-person matriculation ceremony at the University’s Great Hall.
The ceremony, organised by the College of Education as part of the University’s February college-based matriculation events, formally welcomed the 2025/2026 cohort into the University community as Junior Members. It also marked the second group of matriculants from the College to be inducted during the 2026 academic year.
Professor Samuel Nii Ardey Codjoe, Provost of the College of Education
Delivering the Vice-Chancellor’s address, Professor Samuel Nii Ardey Codjoe, Provost of the College of Education, congratulated the newly admitted students on gaining entry into the nation’s premier university. He noted that their admission was a proof to their perseverance and hard work.
He explained that matriculation represents the formal induction of students into the University community and involves the taking of the Matriculation Oath—a solemn pledge to uphold the University’s rules, traditions and standards of conduct. By signing the Matriculation Register, which is completed online, students formally affirm their commitment to discipline, respect for authority and the pursuit of academic and personal excellence.
Professor Codjoe reminded the students that their conduct, both on and off campus, reflects on the reputation of the University. “As ambassadors of the University of Ghana, your actions will speak not only for yourselves but also for the institution,” he noted, urging them to familiarise themselves with the University’s mission, vision, core values and strategic priorities.
He encouraged the students to become conversant with the acronym “TICES”, which represents the University’s five strategic priorities, by the end of their first semester. He also advised them to study the online student handbooks carefully, engage actively with lecturers and academic advisers, and seek guidance whenever necessary. “University life is both exciting and demanding,” he added. “It requires determination, resilience and focus.”
Mr. Joseph Oduro Nkansah, College Registrar of the College of Education
In his remarks, the College Registrar of the College of Education, Mr. Joseph Oduro Nkansah, highlighted that matriculation is not merely ceremonial but a mandatory academic requirement.
He cautioned that students who fail to complete the required matriculation processes would not be eligible to graduate. He further clarified that although visiting and short-stay students do not participate in the ceremony, they remain bound by the University’s rules and regulations.
Ms. Navis Appiah delivers the Expectations Address on behalf of the matriculating class, sharing the hopes and aspirations of the new cohort
Speaking on behalf of her fellow matriculants, Ms. Navis Appiah expressed pride and gratitude for the opportunity to study at Ghana’s premier university, describing the receipt of their admission letters as a moment of immense joy for many students.
She highlighted the importance of the Sakai Learning Management platform, which enables Distance Education students to access course materials, submit assignments and interact with lecturers and colleagues. She also commended the support provided by the Information Technology Directorate, the Careers and Counselling Directorate, and the Students and Financial Aid Office.
Ms. Appiah noted that while previous cohorts of Distance Education students were formally admitted through virtual matriculation ceremonies, many experienced the milestone only from afar. She therefore welcomed the opportunity for students to participate in the ceremony in person, describing it as a reflection of the University’s commitment to inclusiveness.
Ms. Navis Appiah, signing the Matricula on behalf of her cohort
She encouraged her fellow students to remain disciplined and focused, stressing that success in distance education requires effective time management, self-motivation and determination and subsequently signed the Matriculation Register on behalf of the matriculants.
College of Education Management in a group picture with SRC Executives of the Distance Education Programme
The ceremony concluded on a celebratory note, as the newly matriculated students formally took the Matriculation Oath and began their journey as members of the University of Ghana community. For many of the Distance Education students, the occasion marked a memorable milestone, symbolising not only their official admission into the University but also their connection to its rich traditions and academic life.
