It was all joy and a dream come true for the 1,127 students who graduated at the Third Session of the 13th Congregation of the University of Professional Studies, Accra on Wednesday, October 13.
The graduating students, drawn from the Faculty of Management Studies, form part of the 2020/2021 cohort from which about 3,640 students will be graduating this year.
The first and second sessions, held separately in July and October 2021, witnessed the graduation of 870 and 515 students respectively.
Addressing the Third Session, the Vice-Chancellor of UPSA, Prof. Abednego F. O. Amartey reiterated the University’s commitment to developing market-driven academic programmes and strategic partnerships that respond to current and future needs of society.
He added that it is these firm commitments and the bold strides to achieving them that have culminated in UPSA’s growth over the last four years.
“We are called the Progressive University because of our commitment to developing forward-looking academic programmes and partnerships that respond to current and anticipated future national needs of our Motherland,” he said.
“In 2017, our total student count was about 11,500. Today, we are more than 18,000 students strong; In 2017, we had a total of 20 academic programmes. We have increased that number to 30, representing a 50% increase.
“It is worth noting that we also have additional seven (7) programmes at various stages of accreditation.”
Graduation Statistics
Prof Okoe Amartey announced that the Faculty of Management Studies presented a total of 1,127 students for graduation, out of which 816 students earned various degrees while 311 were diploma students.
From the degree students, 10 obtained First Class, 244 obtained Second Class Upper, 351 obtained Second Class Lower and 179 obtained Third Class and 32 obtained Pass.
Five (5) of the diplomates attained Distinction, while 194 obtained credit with 112 Passes.
Advice to graduands
Prof. Amartey called on the graduands to “eschew cutting corners and all forms of misbehaviour”, urging them to “continue to learn, to be honest, and to focus on hard work with the desire to make a mark for the good of Ghana and humanity.”
He also charged them to be agents of change wherever they go by displaying high levels of integrity, discipline, professionalism and above all Godliness in all spheres of their endeavors.
“It is a new world of artificial intelligence, automation, robotics, big data, clean technologies, green economies, etc. You only need to apply your fine minds to help create a future, a meaningful life and a career for yourself, and make this world a better place.”
Council Chair’s remarks
The Chairman of the Governing Council of UPSA, Dr Kofi Ohene-Konadu commended the Management of the University for putting measures in place to ensure the safety of staff and students following the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic.
He also lauded the Vice-Chancellor and his team for their proactiveness in adopting technological innovations to ensure smooth academic work even in the face of COVID-19 and its associated challenges.
Turning to the graduands, Dr Ohene-Konadu said the pandemic has presented abundant opportunities to the world and it was his hope that graduates will identify some of them and take full advantage as they embrace a brave new world.
“Pledge to do your best to make your lives better and contribute positively to society,” he said. “Always remember to do what is right, not what is easy.”
