The Presbyterian University College, Ghana held its 2018 Graduation Ceremony at the Okwahu Campus on Saturday 3rd November, 2018 on the theme “Graduate Deployment: the Nexus of Higher Education and the Job Market,” to graduate 681 students comprising 356 males (52.3%) and 325 females (47.7%).
The majority of the students who graduated fell within the First Class to Second Class Lower category, with only 21 students making Third Class and Pass. Sixty-six (66) of the graduands got First Class honours made of 39 females and 27 males. No female graduating student got Pass.
Accreditation and New Programmes
Presenting his report, the President of Presbyterian University College, Ghana, Rev. Prof. Emmanuel Adow Obeng disclosed that the University has received accreditation to commence the Bachelor of Laws (LLB), MSc. Environmental Health and Sanitation, MSc. Natural Resources Management and M.A International Development Studies, which have been started at the various campuses.
The President indicated that BSc. Computer Engineering and the MSc. Financial Risk Management Programmes are receiving attention at the National Accreditation Board and the University is optimistic to receive approval for the programmes to begin next year.
“Also in a bid to offer a top-up for the students who have completed the Master of Education in Educational Studies Programme, and to upgrade them to make them eligible to teach at the tertiary level, PUCG has submitted an M.Phil Educational Studies programme document to the University of Cape Coast for affiliation,” the President reiterated.
Other programmes going through affiliation processes are Doctor of Optometry, BSc. International Development and B.A. in Communication Studies.
Graduate unemployment is a worrying trend in the country and the Presbyterian University College, Ghana has realized this challenge and it is proffering solutions through Strong Academia- Industry Linkages; Development of Pragmatic Curricula that are relevant to the socio-political developmental needs of the Nation; Equipping graduates with the requisite skills to establish their own businesses; Career Guidance Services; and Adequate Funding for Young Entrepreneurs.
Academia, industry collaboration
The President, Rev. Prof. Emmanuel Adow Obeng called for collaboration from the various industries with the Higher Educational Institutions in the training of students noting that such interaction helps students to know the demands of industry before they enter into the world of work.
The Presbyterian University College, Ghana received scholarship awards from Barclays Bank Limited, Ghana and the Beige Foundation Ghana.
Barclays Bank Limited, Ghana presented scholarship packages to eleven (11) students from Presbyterian University College, Ghana (PUCG) through its Tertiary Education Scholarship, under the Barclays Shared Growth Agenda.
The scholarship package was worth about GHȻ110,000.00 and catered for the students’ tuition fees, printing, hostel and academic user facility fees, laptop and feeding allowance for the 2017/2018 Academic Year.
The Beige Foundation Ghana also awarded six (6) students from PUCG with about GH₵20,000.00 package. Each student received GH₵ 3,000.00 and a citation.
The GCB Bank sponsored two awards at the 12th Congregation ceremony for our graduating students: a 43-inch flat screen TV for the overall best student and a laptop for the second best overall student and some cash prizes.
Vodafone Ghana also supported this year’s graduation ceremony by absorbing the cost of printing the President’s Report and Brochures.
Advice to graduands
“As you leave this ceremony, remember to display to the world the virtues of Honesty, Discipline, Commitment, Determination, and Faith in God. These are the core values of the University. As you walk into the world of work, you are bound to face challenges but these values will stand you in good stead”, the President encouraged them.
As a Christian University, graduands are given Holy Bibles during the graduation ceremony each year and the President, Rev. Prof. Emmanuel Adow Obeng reminded the graduating students that the basis of all wisdom is the Word of God.
“The Bible should be your guide. It should remind you that whatever you do, you do it for the Lord Christ Jesus rather than for people, and the Lord God will give you an inheritance as your reward,” Rev. Prof. Adow Obeng assured them.
The President implored them to shun mediocrity. “You are above that. Strife to excel in whatever you put your hands to and in whichever situation you find yourselves. Associate with people who will help you to achieve greater heights and never consort with fools”, he charged them.