“We made it!” These were the words of hundreds of beaming graduates on Monday, October 28, as they celebrated their academic success at the First Session of the 16th Congregation ceremony of the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA).
The graduating students comprised 1,261 students from the Faculty of Information Technology and Communication Studies (FITCS) and 212 from the UPSA Law School.
They form part of some 5,247 students who will be graduating from the university this year.
Out of the total number presented by the FITCS, 946 were undergraduates and 315 were diploma students.
For the undergraduate level, 12 students obtained First Class, 227 Second Class Upper, 359 Second Class Lower, 297 Third Class and 51 pass.
Twelve (12) of the diploma students attained Distinction, while 156 obtained Credit and 147 had Pass.
From the UPSA Law School, one student obtained First Class, 21 obtained Second Class Upper, 78 Second Class Lower, 89 Third Class and 23 had Pass.
Addressing the graduands, the Vice-Chancellor of UPSA, Prof Abednego F. O. Amartey, congratulated them on their achievement while urging them to aim higher.
He advised the graduates to embrace four key principles for success: “Be present, be punctual, participate actively, and always be prepared.”
“Now more than ever, the world needs courageous, strong, independent thinkers who believe in the importance of humanity to be leaders, and I know that UPSA has prepared you to take on whatever mantle you choose to carry,” Prof Amatey said.
Prof Amartey urged the graduands to confront their fears with courage and determination as they step into the next chapter of their lives, reminding them that growth often comes from embracing challenges and pushing beyond their comfort zones.
The Chief Justice, Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo, who was the commencement speaker, advised graduates to embrace continuous learning and hone their leadership skills.
“I recommend that you deliberately learn about the art and skill of leadership,” Justice Torkonoo said. “Contrary to popular perception, leadership does not begin with being given a big responsibility.
“It begins with developing certain skills quietly and privately. It is in the good and effective use of those skills that you will find more and more opportunities given to you to serve others.”
She charged the graduands to chart their own paths to success in the face of challenges, stressing that “you have been given the tools to navigate the tides of life.”