At an age when most people are content to rest and reflect on their life’s journey, Mr. Joseph Aheto, father of the Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast (UCC), Professor Denis Worlanyo Aheto, has defied convention by earning a Master’s Degree at 81.
Mr. Aheto was among the graduates honoured at the 58th Congregation of the University of Cape Coast, marking a rare and inspiring milestone that drew admiration from attendees and faculty members alike.
The touching moment unfolded at the New Examination Centre Auditorium during the 9th session of the UCC congregation. The Acting VC, Prof. Denis Worlanyo Aheto, had the distinct honour of conferring a Master’s degree on his own father.
The 81-year-old graduate pursued a Master of Business Administration in Entrepreneurship and Small Enterprise Management, a programme that demanded both academic rigour and resilience.
According to Mr Joseph Aheto, he was excited to have his son confer the master’s degree on him and urged the youth not to relent in their bid to become better persons in the future.
“It’s never too late to learn,” he said, adding that “those still hoping to continue their education must actually stand up to their vision and their mission.” Every student who is aspiring to be somebody has to continue to work very hard.”
Mr. Joseph Aheto’s academic journey is one of resilience, spanning nearly six decades. He began his career as a classroom teacher in 1966, eventually establishing his own private school in Nsawam, where he mentored many of today’s professionals. After earning his first degree from the University of Ghana, he was inspired to pursue an MBA at UCC when he realized his children were “overtaking” him academically.
He said, despite being mocked by younger students and enduring swollen feet during long hours of lectures, he remained undeterred, adding, “I continued until I passed all my examinations.”
For the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Denis Aheto, the occasion was a humbling and momentous milestone for the entire family. He noted that while his father had begun the course long before his own promotion to the VC office, he remained impressed by the octogenarian’s tenacity. He believes his father’s achievement should serve as a wake-up call to a younger generation often preoccupied with “quick money.”
“I think it’s quite instrumental, and it’s been a momentous and remarkable milestone that he has made. I want to, on behalf of the family, congratulate him,” he continued.
According to university officials, Mr. Aheto’s achievement is a testament to the power of perseverance and lifelong learning, qualities that have inspired both his family and the UCC community.
Mr. Aheto’s academic feat adds to a distinguished family legacy of scholarship and public service. His son, Professor Denis Worlanyo Aheto, currently serves as the Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast and is recognised internationally for his leadership in marine and environmental science.
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