The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Professional Studies, Accra, Prof. Abednego F. O. Amartey has urged the graduating class of 2020 to be agents of change by using the skill sets acquired in academia to navigate the complexities of life and make a difference wherever they find themselves in the world.
Speaking to graduates about the uncertainties of life at the Second Session of the University’s Congregation for this year, Prof. Amartey pointed out that change is inevitable, “unpredictable and unstoppable.” He, however, noted that change can be managed with the right attitude and the right virtues.
The Vice-Chancellor, therefore, called on graduands to explore the world and take advantage of the many opportunities that life might offer, despite the uncertainties of the times.
“Move forward into the future and change the world for the better,” Prof Amartey said. “You are graduating at a difficult and dangerous time, such as this COVID era. Go out there and manage the changes that can affect your lives.”
The University’s annual Congregation is, this year, being organized with four ceremonies, instead of one in strict adherence to Covid-19 protocols which require social distancing. The first session was held on Wednesday with the second session taking place today.
The occasion saw 1096 final year students of the Faculty of Accounting and Finance graduating with degree and diploma certificates. The graduates were made up of 881 undergraduates and 215 diploma students.
For the undergraduate level, 31 individuals obtained First Class whiles 270 got Second Class Upper degrees and 327 attained Second Class Lower degrees. 187 obtained Third Class degrees and 66 of them graduated with a Pass.
Six of the Diplomates attained Distinction, while 141 obtained Credit and 68 went home with a Pass.
The Acting Chief Executive Officer of MTN Ghana, Mr. William Tetteh, who was the Special Guest of Honour for the occasion also urged the students to prepare for and embrace change.
“Crises come with opportunities,” he said, “and students must be better positioned to exploit those opportunities when they come.”
He said the foresight and tenacity of global leaders has been tested in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. Mr Tetteh said many young people have also stepped up to the plate by developing innovative ways of getting around the pandemic.
He believes there is no excuse for any graduate who fails to surmount the challenges of life. He said those with an open mind are more likely to better deal with challenges and crises.
Mr Tetteh, who is also the General Manager for MTN Capital Projects, encouraged the graduates to utilize the relationships they have built with their friends and faculty over the years to their advantage.
Chairman of the UPSA Council, Dr Kofi Ohene-Konadu, commended the graduands for weathering the storm of the Covid-19 pandemic to complete the last semester of their academic programmes. He implored them to be good ambassadors of the University as they leave school to pursue other interests.
