By Dennis Peprah
Fiapre (Bono), Oct. 25, GNA -The Catholic University of Ghana (CUG) at the weekend graduated 1,606 students who had undergone postgraduates and undergraduate course at the institution.
They comprise 347 postgraduates and 1,260 undergraduates.
The institution also admitted 2,169 fresh students to pursue various degrees and diplomas course at the university.
Speaking at the 24th congregation and 36th matriculation ceremony at the university’s main campus at Fiapre in the Sunyani Municipality, Professor Matthew Glover Addo, the Vice-Chancellor of the CUG emphasised that education remained the cornerstone of national development.
He said at the critical juncture of the nation’s transformation, there was an urgent need to prioritize quality over mere quantity in education.
Prof Addo noted that the country made significant strides in access to education, hence the need to turn attention to improving educational standards and ensuring relevance, competence, and excellence in teaching and learning.
“We must also ensure that our graduates become agents of change in our rapidly changing world”, he stated, saying the role of private universities played in the development of the nation’s tertiary education could not be overemphasised.
Prof Addo therefore appealed to the government to continue to support private universities by making vital resources, like books, relevant software and transport facilities available to them as well.
He advised the graduates to use the knowledge they had acquired to serve and improve dignity of human life, promotion of justice for all, quality of personal and family life, the protection of nature, search for peace and political stability, and a new economic and political order.
“The degree you receive today is not just a paper, but a call to duty to serve your communities, to innovate, to lead with humility, and to be solution-oriented citizens”, he advised the graduates, saying, “Ghana and Africa are looking up to you to be the change-makers of our time.”
Prof Addo also urged the freshers to remain disciplined and make good use of their time at the university’s serene environment that fostered academic excellence.
“Both Academic and non-academic staff are available to assist you to have the most pleasant educational experience, so make use of the resources, mentors, and community around you”, he stated.
Prof Addo added that” “University life is not just about passing examinations, but also about discovering your purpose, developing a critical mind, honing your talents, and preparing to make meaningful contributions to society”.
In a speech read on his behalf, Mr Haruna Iddrisu, the Minister of Education, said the government perceived higher education as essential to the socio-economic upliftment nation.
He said the mandate of universities were not only to churn out skill graduates, but also engage community to foster inclusive growth.
Mr Iddrisu tasked the universities to endeavour to produce graduates who met the demand of contemporary labour with Artificial Intelligence and critical thinking adaptability and also imbibe students with the values of honesty and respect for human dignity.
The CUG was established in 2002 by the Ghana Catholic Bishops Conference with the mandate to produce graduates who blend academic excellence with the requisite moral and spiritual values.
It emphasizes good ethical and moral grounding in its curriculum and prepares students to think critically and provide solutions to real-world challenges and also provide selfless service to their communities and countries.
GNA
Edited by Benjamin Mensah