The Simon Diedong Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies (SDD-UBIDS) in Wa of the Upper West Region on Friday held its 3rd maiden congregation ceremony for 2,321 diploma graduate and post graduate students.
Out of the total number, 1,448 (62 per cent) are undergraduate students and 873 (38 per cent) are Postgraduate students.
Addressing the congregation, the Vice-Chancellor (VC), Professor Emmanuel Kanchebe Derbile, called on the graduates to remain steadfast and be “committed to excellence, integrity and service to humanity” in their future endeavours.
“You achieved this due to your commitment to hard work and discipline, It is a celebration of not just academic achievement, but of the commitment to holistic development of developing the mind, the body and the spirit you are not just graduating with a degree, but with the capacity to lead and to contribute to the progress of society”, he stated.
The VC urged them to use the knowledge acquired to make significant changes in their respective lives and society.
“By your training here, we have prepared you to think critically, act ethically, and lead with a sense of responsibility and compassion, as you step out of the walls of the University, what will matter is not the degree and honours you get here but how you apply it for your progression and the progress of society”, he outlined.
He mentioned that one of the biggest challenges of the University was the huge infrastructure deficit arising from funding challenges and appealed to the government, civil society organisations, and philanthropists to support the University in order to improve on academic facilities on its various campuses.
Prof. Derbile also thanked management, staff, and lecturers for equipping the graduate with knowledge and skills in their various programmes, as well as parents for their support.
The chairperson of the university’s governing council, Mr Kweku Yamoah Paintsil, advised the graduates to put the knowledge acquired to good use and create jobs for themselves.
He reiterated the university’s confidence in their ability to make significant contributions to society as they step into the world of work
Mr Paintsil expressed gratitude to the parents and guardians of the graduating students for supporting them throughout their stay in the school.
Ms Joan Eyram Badzi and Mr Bernard Meela were presented with a cash awards for emerging best female and male graduating students respectively.