Director-General of the National Information Technology Agency (NITA), Dr. Mark-Oliver Kevor, has called on graduating students of the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), to uphold integrity, embrace innovation, and seek mentorship as they transition into the next chapter of their lives.
Delivering the keynote address at the first session of the 17th Congregation of UPSA on Friday, September 26, Dr. Kevor commended the 1,863 graduating students from the UPSA Law School and the Faculty of Information Technology and Communication Studies for their perseverance and determination.
“Don’t underestimate your potential as you step into the next chapter,” Dr. Kevor told the jubilant graduands. “I am very happy that already some of you have started developing workable applications even while you are still in school.”
He particularly acknowledged Abdul Aziz Masir, a graduating student who developed a class attendance tracking application and an AI-powered chatbot for UPSA.
“This is a step in the right direction and an example of how you can use your skills to make a real impact,” he remarked.
Dr. Kevor encouraged the graduates to anchor their professional journey on four key principles – integrity, innovation, mentorship, and inclusion.
On integrity, he urged the graduates to guard their reputation both offline and online, warning against reckless behaviour on social media.
“It is worrisome, some of the behaviours of our young people on social media these days. These acts leave lasting digital footprints that may haunt you in the future. Please protect your integrity like how you protect your phone battery on one per cent,” he cautioned.
He stressed that employers now review digital profiles of potential employees, stating that “one careless comment on social media can cost you a lifetime opportunity.”
Turning to innovation, the NITA boss described a university degree as merely a starting point, challenging graduates to keep learning and innovating beyond the classroom.
“Your degree is just a springboard. Don’t just look for jobs—look for problems to solve. That is where the true value lies,” he said.
Dr. Kevor further encouraged the graduates to seek mentorship to navigate the complexities of life and work.
He advised that a good mentor will help them avoid costly mistakes and guide them to make the right decisions in an uncertain world.
On inclusion, he reminded graduates of their responsibility to contribute to society by using the skills they have acquired to lift others up.
