The Minister of Education, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, speaking at the graduation ceremony of University of Professional Studies Accra (UPSA) has urged graduates to be clear about their goals and aspirations and remain determined if they aspire to achieve them.
He said through determination and commitment, not only could they surmount challenges with confidence and clarity but also achieve greatness and positively impact the lives of others and society at large.
“Your life is a miracle. It is a miracle that you work it out with the help of God. When you have a clear determination, great things happen. No matter where you find yourself, understand that with God on your side, your life can be a miracle for us. You can do more for yourself and for the humanity,” he said.
The Minister of Education was speaking at the fourth session of the 16th Congregation of the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) last Friday, where students who had satisfied their respective academic requirements were conferred with certificates from the School of Graduate Studies.
Event
The school presented 906 graduates, made up of 652 Master of Business Administration students, 116 Master of Arts students, 87 Master of Science students, 33 Master of Philosophy and 18 Doctor of Philosophy students.
Seventeen students, who performed exceptionally during their academic pursuit, received special awards in recognition of their outstanding achievements and hard work.
The Vice-Chancellor (VC) of UPSA, Professor Abednego Feehi Okoe Amartey, who was acting in his official capacity for the last time, was honoured with a memento, among others, for spearheading the institution’s development in the last eight years.
In all, the university offered certificates to 5,247 graduates across four out of five sessions, beginning on Monday, October 28, 2024.
They comprised 906 postgraduate, 3,711 undergraduate, and 630 diploma students.
Education
Using a video slideshow, Dr Adutwum highlighted the government’s contribution to education over the years through the enactment of various policies and infrastructural developments, emphasising the government’s flagship Free Senior High School (SHS) initiative and its benefits.
“I know most people don’t trust politicians anymore. So, I am not here to talk because today is not the day for long speeches. I am only here to make an evidence-based speech,” he said.
Dr Adutwum reiterated the government’s commitment to promoting quality and accountability inclusive education, technical and vocational skills to make them competitive on the global scale and thrive in the fourth industrial revolution.
Transformation journey
The Vice-Chancellor highlighted the institution’s transformation over the past eight years, which included the promotion of research enterprise, enhancement of institutional image and environment, increase in student enrolment, development of infrastructural projects and information technology initiatives, as well as competing in global higher education rankings.
Prof. Amartey then charged the students to be courageous, strong and independent thinkers who believed in the importance of humanity to be leaders because they were graduating at a time of deep global turbulence and upheavals and national socio-economic difficulties.
“So, if in stepping out into this world, you are unsure of what it holds, I tell you to fear not. Remember, life may be tough, but our God is tougher. As it is said, tough times don’t last, but tough people do. When difficult times arise, and they will come, don’t lose hope,” the Vice-Chancellor said.
“Never forget that there is something valuable inside of you, and know with certainty that even if you cannot be sure of the outcome of challenges that come your way, you can be sure of your God, because He is with you, He is for you, and He is working all things together for your good,” Prof. Amartey added.
