A total of 1,360 students have graduated from the second session of the 11th Congregation of the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) which was held on Thursday, July 25, 2019, at the newly commissioned Auditorium.
The graduands from the Faculty of Accounting and Finance constitutes 1,124 Undergraduates and 236 Diploma students. For the undergraduate level, 36 obtained First Class, 356 Second Class Upper, 356 Second Class Lower, 269 Third Class and 105 Passes. While 11 of the diplomates attained Distinction, 161 obtained credit and 64 secured a Pass.
Addressing the class of 2019, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Abednego Feehi Okoe Amartey, said the huge investment made in infrastructural and human development over the past few years was geared towards improving the delivery of quality academic service to all stakeholders.
He, therefore, urged graduands to “get ahead of change” by refusing to be complacent with the first degrees and diplomas they have obtained.
“Today marks an important day in your lives, yet the beginning of a journey… I am admonishing you to pursue your masters’ degrees and professional qualifications ideally back in this great University which keeps improving day by day. This is the only way you can keep ahead of change,” he said.
He also revealed that the University has since 2017 invested over GH¢4 million in various completed and ongoing ICT projects. Some of which he said includes Fibre Optics connection to the new Auditorium, Students Centre and adjoining Blocks; fully deployed campus-wide Wifi; Electronic Display Board, Students smart ID cards and Library Access Control project as well as upgrading of the University Student Information System (USIS) to improve admissions, registration, examination grading, issuance of transcripts and graduation processes.
On other infrastructural developments, Prof Amartey announced the commencement of a street lighting project by the Ministry of Energy to improve security in and around campus. He also mentioned the ongoing AstroTurf project with a 500 seating capacity spectator stand, floodlight and a changing room as well as a soon-to-commence two new hostel Blocks.
The Vice-Chancellor further hinted that the University has received accreditation for the introduction of a Master of Arts in Peace, Security and Intelligence Management as well as Master of Arts in Branding & Communication for the 2019/2020 academic year. This, according to him, is expected to increase student enrollment by 15 per cent in the 2019/2020 academic year.
Special Guest of honour and Executive Chairman of the McDan Group of Companies, Dr Daniel McKorley admonished the graduands to be “global shakers” in their chosen field of endeavours as they exit the University.
“As you set out, be global shakers in finance, banking, construction, entertainment, agriculture, entrepreneurship or whatever field you may find yourselves,” he said.
However, the 2018 CIMG Marketing Man of the Year was quick to add that possessing the right attitude towards life and work was the key ingredient to becoming successful.
“I will pick attitude over degrees on any day… because right attitude with consistency equals success,” he said.
Sharing his personal struggles in life, he encouraged students to take advantage of the network they build while in school saying “I wouldn’t have come this far without the network of friends I built over the years. I say to you your network is your net worth.”
The Chairman of the University Council, Dr Kofi Ohene-Konadu, in his closing remarks to the congregation, retorted that management of the University remains committed to improving upon the quality of research, teaching and learning. He, therefore, admonished the outgoing students to be good ambassadors of the University wherever they may find themselves.
“As you leave the walls of this University and step into the world of work, I expect you to become good ambassadors of UPSA,” he said.
Emmanuella Essifua Acheampong emerged the overall best graduating student while Justine Antwi Nii-Fio took home the overall best graduating Diploma student.
Meanwhile, former Pro-Rector of the Institute of Professional Studies and the Director of the Institute of Professional Studies, Dr. Stephen Akrobor, who will be due for retirement this year, was honoured for his dedication and service to the University over the years.
Full list of Academic Prize Winners
Overall Best Graduating Student – Emmanuella Essifua Acheampong
Overall Best Graduating Diploma Student – Justine Antwi Nii-Fio
Best Graduating Student, Faculty – Emmanuella Essifua Acheampong
Best Graduating Student, Department of Accounting – Miriam Norvor
Best Graduating Student, Department of Banking – Emmanuella Essifua Acheampong
Best Graduating Student, Diploma in Accounting – Justine Antwi Nii-Fio
