Professor Daniel Buor, Provost of the College of Art and Social Sciences at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) on Saturday called on educational institutions to reward moral excellence as they do for academic excellence, if not more.
He said the developmental problems facing the country appeared to be linked to morality than lack of resources.
Prof Buor said this at the maiden National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) Alumni Summit and Awards Night in Accra to reward students and individuals who distinguished themselves in their various fields of endeavour.
He said even though academic excellence was important, the proportion of awards for moral uprightness compared to academic performance was insignificant adding that this was the cause of challenges such as armed robbery, drug addiction and violence facing society today.
"What will the nation benefit from a first class graduate who indulges in cocaine trafficking, and gets entangled in the tarantula of corruption through over-invoicing and under-invoicing?" he asked.
Prof Buor said the youth were the potential resources of every nation adding that the country's future was dependent on the policies put in place to develop their talents and skills.
He said neglecting the potential of the youth would lead to a decline in development and create unruly and chaotic society in future.
He called for recognition of the exploits of the youth in all fields to motivate others to aspire to greater heights.
Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, a Deputy Minister of Information, called on the youth to commit themselves to the national developmental agenda.
Mr Okudzeto Ablakwa said the trends were changing, adding that more responsibilities which were hitherto reserved for the elderly were now being given to the youth.
He advised the youth to use genuine means in their quest to achieve success in life.
Awards were given to students who excelled in various fields, including student entrepreneurship, best creative student, best student writer, best student journalist, best student advocate and best campus.
Individuals who have distinguished themselves in life were also awarded for serving as role models for the youth.