The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong has indicated that management of the University of Cape Coast is leaving no stone unturned to put graduate studies on a pedestal befitting the University and in the sub-region and beyond.
UCC is positioning itself as destination for quality graduate studies in Africa
Prof. Boampong noted that graduate studies and research was at the heart of the University and would ensure that quality post graduate education was deepened to contribute significantly to national and global development.
To that end, Prof. Boampong tasked the School of Graduate Studies to map out innovative strategies and policies to deepen its training to promote teaching, learning and research, as well as increment in postgraduate enrolment.
The Vice-Chancellor made these remarks at the 7th Session of the 54th Congregation for postgraduate students.
A total of two- thousand and nineteen (2, 019) postgraduate students were presented at the function.
A record number of one-hundred and ten (110) out of the total received PhD degrees.
Grants
In terms of grants, the Vice-Chancellor mentioned that Samuel and Emelia Brew-Butler – Research Fund had been very beneficial to postgraduate students since its introduction in 2015.
He disclosed that the number of beneficiaries had increased significantly from twenty-seven (27) to fifty-seven (57).
Prof. Boampong, therefore, eulogised the Butler family for their assistance to the School of Graduate Studies.
Online submission of dissertation
The Vice-Chancellor indicated that the School of Graduate Studies had put in place measures to enable postgraduate students to submit their dissertation and thesis via online, to fast-track their graduation on time.
Developments at UCC
He said ten (10) new graduate programmes had been added to the existing ones which were relevant to the nation’s manpower needs.
However, he was quick to add that management of the University had been in talks with investors to put up infrastructure in the University through Memorandum of Understanding but it was yet to receive positive feedback from the investors.
Prof. Boampong indicated that the University had embarked upon a campus wide ICT project to accelerate academic work.
Advice to graduating class
The Vice-Chancellor used the occasion to congratulate the graduands and encouraged them to embrace opportunities around them to broaden their horizon.
He admonished them to be good ambassadors of their alma mater and stay connected to the University through the Alumni Association.
Guard your reputation
A Deputy Minister of Education, Hon. John Ntim Fordjour, in an address, advised the University to jealously guard its reputation as the topmost ranked university in Ghana and West Africa.
He said the University had shaped the education of Ghana through knowledge research and Innovation.
Hon Ntim Fordjour stated that government was impressed with the positive strides made by UCC and the successes achieved since its inception.
The minister added that the government was committed to inclusive education and would not relent in its transformation efforts in revamping education across the length and breadth of the country.
He lauded the University for setting up a School of Engineering to enhance the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) in the country.
Awards
As part of the ceremony, Martha Pearl Okai (PhD Special Education) and Rev Philip Kakramah (PhD Religion and Human Values) received the Dean’s Award of Excellence, for their exceptional quality, technical content and accuracy of presentation.
Martha Pearl Okai (PhD Special Education) was the valedictorian for the 7th session of the 54th Congregation.
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Source: Documentation and Information Section
