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The University of Ghana, Legon, last Saturday held its August Congregation to celebrate students who have successfully completed their various programmes.
In all, 1,236 students, including 92 PhDs and 891 Master’s degree holders, were celebrated for their academic achievements. The event was also used to launch the university’s new Strategic Plan for 2024-2029.
Delivering her address, the Vice-Chancellor of UG, Professor Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, painted a picture of a university on the rise. “Our graduating students have navigated challenges, overcome obstacles, and emerged stronger, ready for the world of work to contribute significantly to our society,” she said.
Professor Amfo revealed that the university had made significant strides in various areas in the past year. These included the enrolment of 18,710 new students and a significant increase in the overall female student enrolment, which currently stands at 50.3 per cent.
Student welfare and security were also highlighted. “In addition to the new room allocation regime, the University has introduced electronic access at traditional halls and some units as part of our efforts to safeguard the security and safety of our students, staff and properties,” she said.
She noted that the university had implemented strategic measures to maintain academic excellence during the same period.
"We have strategically reduced numbers in certain undergraduate programmes to maintain the quality of teaching and learning, and ultimately enhance research,” Professor Amfo explained.
Research and innovation have been at the forefront of the university’s agenda. “The Research and Innovation Directorate (RID) in collaboration with the four colleges, has reviewed and executed 35 research grant contracts and agreements valued at appropriately US$3 million for the period spanning April to May, 2024,” the Vice-Chancellor reported.
The university has also made significant strides in fostering entrepreneurship among students. “We have embarked on several innovative projects, a few of which are recounted here.
These initiatives aim to nurture the creative and entrepreneurial potential of our students, equipping them with the skills needed to succeed in a rapidly changing world,” she said.
One such initiative is the ARTIFY project. "The ARTIFY project aims to provide an enabling environment for talented students and youth from three underserved communities around UG to nurture their artistic skills to pursue art as a business," Professor Amfo explained.
The Vice-Chancellor also provided updates on various initiatives aimed at enhancing the student experience among them, classroom modernisation, the Legon Leadership Academy and the Student Experience Centre.
“The Student Experience Centre will be a multipurpose futuristic facility with contemporary equipment which will serve as a one-stop centre for a variety of student needs at the university,” she said.
Looking ahead, the university has launched a new Strategic Plan for the period 2024-2029. “The new Strategic Plan reflects our dedication to sustainability, diversity and inclusion, ensuring that the University of Ghana remains at the forefront of academic and research excellence on the global stage,” Professor Amfo said.
The Vice-Chancellor urged the students to be innovative and drive social impact, as they are entrusted with the university's legacy.
