30th Nov 2022
The 21st Congregation ceremony of Central University was held at the Christ Temple Campus in Accra on Friday 25th November 2022.
A total of 961 students graduated from various undergraduate and graduate programmes. Out of this, 118 students graduated from the School of Graduate Studies and Research. 73 students also graduated with 1st Class honours, while 18 students took home special awards and recommendations for their stellar academic performances.
In his congregational address, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Bill Puplampu expressed gratitude to various Faculty heads, lecturers and staff of the University for supporting the 2021/2022 graduating class throughout the entire duration of their study.
He highlighted a number developmental projects the University is embarking on to improve the quality and standard of the Central experience. Notable among these projects are the introduction of 7 new academic programmes, the introduction of the UK-based Awards for Training In Higher Education (ATHE), an International Access programme that provides pathways to various undergraduate programmes at the University, fee discount and scholarship packages for prospective applicants , alumni who wish to pursue further studies at the University and members of the International Central Gospel Church (ICGC); the establishment of a Counseling and Career Centre and the construction of the University Hospital which is about 70% complete. The Vice Chancellor also addressed some topical policy issues relating to Legal Education reforms, partnership between institutions of Higher Education and Environmental Sustainability.
On Legal Education, the Vice Chancellor noted that, “Our view, as articulated last year, is: let us move towards a training/examination/licensure structure that allows aspiring people to acquire the needed theoretical and applied training from specifically accredited Law Faculties. Those who pass by set criteria can then go on to take the Bar exam organised by the Law School as an examining body. This is the practise with many professions across the world.”
Speaking on other regulatory matters, he commended the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission for bringing ”some order into the accreditation space with its recent attention to the accreditation challenges of some of the known universities”. Professor Bill Puplampu urged the Tertiary Education Commission to look carefully at the matter of regulatory oversight exercised by professional bodies and by the Commission in order to streamline the requirements and demands made to tertiary educational institutions because sometimes these multiple demands put stress on the institutions.
Drawing down the curtain on his speech, Prof. Puplampu encouraged the graduands to consider careers in academia referring to the recent recruitment of some past students as evidence of the university’s commitment to give their students opportunities to develop their careers in academia. He further charged the outgoing students to be good ambassadors of Central University by exhibiting the values of excellence, integrity and professionalism at their various workplaces and wherever they may find themselves.
Prof. Puplampu used the lyrics of the old Christian hymn “Will your anchor hold” by Robin Mark to encourage students to be resilient even in these times of economic and social hardship pointing them to Christ as the hope to survive the difficulties times.
The Chancellor of the University Rev. Dr. Mensa Otabil, the Chair of the University Council, Madame Florence Hutchful and members of the University Council all graced the occasion with their presence. In their company were other members of the ICGC Presbytery and Senior Pastors of the Church. Also in attendance was the Pro VC of the University, Prof. John Ofosu Anim, Deans and Directors as well as members of Convocation and staff of the University.
The Registrar, Mr. Emil Afenyo also used the ocassion to highlight the achievement of some alumni of CU who are excelling in their various fields of endeavor. He invited the graduands to return to study graduate programmes at the University since these are carefully tailored for their careers. He invited the public to take advantage of the 2022/23 admissions window that is currently open and apply to the over 50 degree programmes available at the CU.
The Overall Best Student, Ms. Joyce Nyako who also emmerged as the best graduating female student and the best student in Psychology encouraged her colleages and other students to remain determined in the face of challenges as they pursue their life goals.
The valedictorian recounted her challenging childhood and the difficulties she encountered as she grew up and was grateful to God and her family and lecturers for the support they provided her as she braced herself to face the odds and emerged successful.
Mrs. Kafui Dede Odamtten administered the Alumni Oath to the graduands thereby formally inducting them into the CU Alumni Association.
The 21st graduation ceremony which witnessed the highest number of staff of the university graduating from various undergraduate and graduate degrees from CU was well attended by parents, friends, family and well-wishers who travelled from across the country to witness and share in the memory of the once in a life time event.