GCTU Hosts Vibrant 33rd Congregation With Traditional Dances And Cadet Parade
The Minister of Education, Hon. Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum has urged the graduating class of July 2024 to use their acquired skills and knowledge to drive innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship, thereby contributing to the nation’s economic growth and development.
The Minister made this statement at the Ghana Communication Technology University’s (GCTU) 33rd Congregation ceremony held on Saturday, 13th July 2024 at the University’s premises.
The ceremony celebrated the academic achievements of the hardworking graduands and marked a significant milestone in GCTU’s growth, transformation, and progress, reflecting the University’s commitment to its mandate.
A total of 1,103 students graduated: 12 PhDs, 110 Masters degrees and 971 undergraduates.
Delivering the keynote address, the Minister for Education and Member of Parliament for Bosomtwe Constituency, Hon. Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, expressed his honour in sharing the graduands’ pride and joy. “Your day has been marked with a lot of effort and resilience.
I acknowledge the faculty and staff support for the graduands throughout their academic journey,” he said.
Emphasizing the importance of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), Dr. Osei Adutwum highlighted GCTU’s vision and mission to be a world-class university in innovation, research, cutting-edge technology, and academic excellence.
“GCTU is at the forefront of the industrial revolution and students must be empowered with technological tools and resources to bridge the digital divide that is revolutionizing how we learn, work, and live,” he stated.
Citing the World Economic Forum’s report, Dr. Osei Adutwum noted that while 85 million jobs may be lost in the fourth Industrial Revolution, 97 million new jobs are anticipated to be created.
“If you do not embrace STEM and ensure that your students develop the technology replacing jobs, we will miss out on these opportunities,” he emphasized.
Dr. Osei Adutwum reiterated the government’s strong commitment to bridging the digital divide by promoting STEM education across the country at the junior and senior high school levels. “The 21st century education cannot be just words. As a government, we believe that education should be housed in 21st century buildings,” he indicated.
The Minister was so enchanted by the display of the GCTU Regimental Cadet Corps and Band that he pledged an amount of GHS 50,000.00 for them.
Earlier, in his remarks, the Chairman of the University Council, Prof. Emeritus Kofi Awusabo-Asare, congratulated the graduands and thanked the Minister for Education for gracing the ceremony.
“We are thrilled to see our students grow into capable and innovative individuals ready to make their mark in the world. Be good ambassadors of innovation, especially in technology,” he said Prof. Emeritus Awusabo-Asare encouraged the graduands to maintain links with the University and shine wherever they find themselves.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Emmanuel Ohene Afoakwa, noted that GCTU is a young university poised to take significant strides. In just four years, the institution has become a cornerstone of technological and engineering education in Ghana. “The journey of GCTU as a public university signifies a turning point, amplifying opportunities for both faculty and students,” he said.
Prof. Afoakwa highlighted the faculty’s efforts in creating an environment where innovation and development flourish, aligning with the “Silicon Valley” agenda. “The class of 2024 graduands we celebrate today reflects the University’s investment in state-of-the-art tools and cutting-edge training,” he emphasized.
He also mentioned that newly-accredited programmes, such as the PhD in Information Technology, MA in Online Communication and MSc. in Logistics and Airport Transport, commenced in January 2024.
The Vice-Chancellor further elaborated on GCTU’s international collaborations and academic achievements, noting partnerships with esteemed universities such as Coventry University, Anhalt University of Applied Sciences, CASS Europe and Ramaiah University, providing students with global exposure and cutting-edge knowledge. He extended his heartfelt congratulations to the graduands, encouraging them to seize all good opportunities for a brighter future.
During the ceremony, five special awards, aside from others, were presented to outstanding graduands. The Best Student in BSc. Business Administration (Management option) and the Overall Best Undergraduate Student went to Mr. Nana Kwasi Kufuor.
Other awardees included Ms. Mabel Xorlali Kuvlo (Best Thesis, MSc. Programmes – Coventry University), Mr. Daniel Nii Taa Sackey (Best Thesis, MBA Programmes – Coventry University), Ms. Vinanda Afua Adufua Addo (Overall Best Student – Coventry University), and Ms. Barbara Nana Argo Aidoo (Overall Best Student – Anhalt University of Applied Sciences).
In his Valedictory Address, Mr. Nana Kwasi Kufuor reflected on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their academic journey. “Just as we settled into university life, COVID-19 happened and everything changed. We had to adapt to online classes and Zoom meetings, which were challenging and stressful,” he stressed. He expressed gratitude to the lecturers for their dedication and patience.
The event was a resounding success, attracting graduands, their families, friends and loved ones, as well as the University Community, including faculty and staff.
For the first time in the University’s history, the congregation was embellished with traditional dances and a cadet/band parade. The GCTU Royal Cultural Troupe and the GCTU Regimental Cadet Corps/Band played significant roles in making the event memorable.
The Cultural Troupe led the procession of dignitaries and convocation, setting a festive tone for the occasion. They also led the recession, treating the gathering to a spectacular traditional dance performance that was both vibrant and captivating.
The Regimental Cadet Corps and Band were responsible for the national anthem and provided the audience with a brief yet impressive display. Their disciplined performance added a touch of grandeur to the event.
Before the commencement of the ceremony, the Minister for Education, Hon. Yaw Osei Adutwum, assisted by the Council Chairman and the Vice-Chancellor inspected the parade of the cadet corps and band. This inspection underscored the importance of the event and the pride of the University in its cadet corps.
The 33rd congregation of GCTU will be remembered not only for its academic significance but also for its vibrant cultural and ceremonial displays.
