The University of Cape Coast (UCC) celebrated the graduation of 6,819 students from the Institute of Education within the College of Education Studies.
The graduation ceremony consisted of two sessions, with the first session comprising 2,873 students who completed five-semester sandwich programs in education.
The second session included 3,946 graduates who participated in three-semester programs and were also beneficiaries of the Ministry of Finance’s Ghana CARES Obantanpa TUC Programs.
Among the graduates, there were notable achievements, with 578 students graduating with first-class honors, 3,493 with second-class upper honors, 1,946 with second-class lower honors, 581 with third-class honors, and 229 with passes. Mr. Eric Osei was recognized as the overall best student with a Grade Points Average (GPA) of 3.97, receiving a laptop, an undisclosed amount of cash, and a plaque.
During the ceremony, Professor Johnson Nyarko Boampong, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast, encouraged the graduating teachers to embrace technological and innovative teaching methods to make a meaningful impact on their students.
He emphasized the importance of staying informed about educational policies, adapting to changes, and enhancing communication and instructional techniques.
The Vice Chancellor also highlighted the significance of building rapport and demonstrating empathy towards students to create a friendly academic environment conducive to students reaching their full potential.
The Vice Chancellor acknowledged the positive strides in infrastructural development at the University of Cape Coast (UCC) but highlighted a deficit, particularly in students’ accommodation on campus. This shortage has forced many students to seek housing in hostels and apartments around campus, leading to an increase in theft and robbery incidents. The Vice Chancellor expressed the school’s commitment to addressing the accommodation challenge through collaboration with the UCC branch of the Ghana Universities’ Staff Superannuation Scheme, aiming to find sustainable solutions.
Professor Boampong outlined achievements in the College of Education Studies, including mentoring other Colleges of Education, organizing development programs for in-service teachers, and participating in initiatives like the Ghana CARES Obatanpa program for non-professional teachers in private schools. The college has also undertaken projects to improve teaching and learning in selected low-performing basic schools in Cape Coast.
He proudly mentioned UCC’s position as the top-ranked university in Ghana and West Africa, and among the top 10 in Africa. The Vice Chancellor emphasized the university’s commitment to strategic partnerships to consolidate its achievements.
Prof. Boampong appealed for a violence-free campus during the 2024 general elections, urging tolerance among the university community. He emphasized the potential dangers associated with conflicts and war. The valedictorian, Mr. Osei, encouraged his fellow graduates to continue adding value to themselves and using their knowledge and skills for the benefit of society.