A total of 5,563 fresh students have been formally welcomed into the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) at a colourful matriculation ceremony held on Thursday, February 23 at the Kofi Ohene-Konadu Auditorium.
The freshmen comprise 760 diploma students, 4,364 undergraduate students, 129 postgraduate students, and 310 professional programs students.
Vice-Chancellor of UPSA, Prof Abednego F. O. Amartey, congratulated the new students on their successful admission and officially welcomed them to the University.
He said a total of 12,210 applications were received by the University for the 2022/23 academic year, out of which 9,636 applicants were offered admission and 6,591 students registered for the semester.
The total number of registered freshmen consists of 3,421 males and 3,170 females, bringing the male-to-female ratio of freshmen for the 2022/23 academic year to 52:48.
In underscoring the importance of the matriculation exercise, the Vice-Chancellor explained that participating in the matriculation ceremony entitles students to enjoy the full rights and privileges of the university.
He advised the newly admitted students to be disciplined and take their studies seriously, stressing that it was the primary reason for enrolling in UPSA.
Prof Amartey added that the management of the University will do everything within their means to give freshmen a memorable experience by providing them with the resources and facilities necessary for the successful completion of their studies.
“Most of you, fresh students, are quite young, and this is probably the first time you are going to live independently,” Prof. Amartey said.
“There is, therefore, the need to manage your new freedom and life in a very responsible way. Your primary aim for coming here is to study for your degrees and diplomas, and I implore you to steadfastly channel your energies in that direction. I urge you to pursue excellence in your academic work.”
The Vice-Chancellor also charged the freshmen to take advantage of the University’s compulsory dual qualification policy, which enjoins students who are enrolled in any degree programme to receive free tuition for any professional programme related to their course of study.
“The objective is to prepare UPSA students with both academic degrees and professional qualifications,” he said.
“We believe this will give UPSA graduates an edge over graduates from other universities in the competitive job market. To realize this objective, Management has decided to make free tuition for professional programmes like ACCA, ICAG, CIM, CIMA, and ICSA compulsory for all corresponding degree programmes.”
To address security challenges around the campus and improve student safety, the VC announced the commencement of a shuttle service for students residing in the various university hostels. He urged the students to take advantage of the shuttle service and use it to their benefit.
The VC said: “As our cherished students, your safety is our paramount concern, and we urge each of you to follow simple safety rules. Always be alert and aware of your surroundings, and avoid anything that does not feel safe, such as poorly lit areas. And most [important] of all, report suspicious activity. Remember, if you see something, say something.”
