He explained that graduate educa­tion remained a strong focus of the UCC as it had put in place mea­sures to promote quality graduate education.

“With our high-quality assurance, coupled with our core values, post­graduate education at the University of Cape Coast means more than just acquiring a degree. It is an experience that allows postgraduate students to be stimulated and grow into well round professionals,” Prof. Boampong said.

He gave the assurance at a two-day graduation, organised by the university for 29,486 students, comprising 110 PhD students, who pursued various academic programmes.

The first day of the congregation was dedicated to students, who pursued academic programmes at the College of Distance Education, and various Col­leges of Education under the Institute of Education of the College of Educa­tion Studies of the University.

The second day was set aside for students who completed various post­graduate programmes at the School of Graduate Studies.

At the College of Distance Educa­tion, 12, 325 students graduated while at the Institute of Education Studies and the School of Graduate Studies 15,142 and 2,019 students respectively graduated.

Prof. Boampong said that, the number of postgraduate students in the university had been increasing steadily and hope to maintain that pace despite the competition from other educational institutions.

He said that the graduate school had introduced the electronic submission of the­sis and dissertation, to replace the traditional system, which only required the submission of hardbound copies by students.

Prof. Boampong said that 10 new post­graduate programmes were introduced at the UCC.

He mentioned inadequate physical space for lecture rooms for postgraduate students and the late payment of fees by students as problems facing the university.

The Chairman of the Governing Council of UCC, Prof. Obeng Mireku, indicated that postgraduate education was crucial for economic growth and development through its unique contribution to the knowledge economy.

He said that the university commenced the construction of fence wall around portions of its land to prevent further en­croachment.

A deputy Minister of Education, Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, commended the UCC for its role in promoting education in the country.

He urged the graduating class to build on their thesis, conduct further research into other areas and ensure that their research impact on society.