GCTU has marked a historic milestone by conferring degrees and diplomas on a record‑breaking 2,121 graduates at the 35th Congregation, held on Saturday, 29th November 2025, at the Forecourt of the Main Campus.
The 35th Congregation, held under the theme: “Innovation for Tomorrow: Inclusive Education and Technology for Sustainable Future in Ghana,” not only celebrated the hard work and dedication of the newest alumni, but also underscored GCTU’s commitment to enhancing Ghana’s manpower supply, designed to contribute to shaping the future development of the country.
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Minister for Education (MoE), the Deputy Minister of Education, Hon. Dr. Clement Apaak, stressed that Ghana’s technological advancement must be grounded in inclusive national identity, noting that while innovation has become the driving force of development, it should never widen existing inequalities. “We are living in a time when digital tools, Fintech and artificial intelligence are transforming every sector. But this transformation must work for every Ghanaian, not just a privileged few,” he remarked. According to him, innovation ought to serve as a bridge – linking rural areas to worldwide prospects while empowering girls and people with disabilities to pursue learning with dignity.
Hon. Dr. Apaak elaborated that initiatives like Free SHS, the “no‑fee‑stress” programme and free schooling for persons with disability are vital, but they need to be backed by a firmer pledge to inclusive education. He urged the graduands to embrace inclusive thinking, pursue sustainable development and guide others. “Ask yourself in every project: who might this leave behind? Let your conscience guide your creativity, not just profit,” Dr. Apaak noted. He lauded the sacrifices of parents and guardians and applauded the University’s Management, faculty and staff for shaping Ghana’s future innovators.
In his address, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Emmanuel Ohene Afoakwa, emphasized that 2025 has been a pivotal year for GCTU, confirming the University’s strategic direction and bolstering its resolve to drive transformation. “Today, I am pleased to reaffirm that we are firmly on track with our strategic development plan and our commitment to shaping GCTU into a world-class technology and innovation hub. This commitment remains strong and unwavering,” he said. Prof. Afoakwa highlighted the University’s major infrastructural and strategic milestones, including:
- The construction of an 8‑storey Lecture Halls & Office Complex – slated for completion in December 2025.
- The construction of a 6‑storey Graduate School Expansion – to be finished by February 202.,
- CITSET Innovation Laboratory – commissioned this year as the Centre for Innovation, Technology Skills and Entrepreneurship Training.
- The construction of an Hostel Project (PPP) – procurement is advanced; construction will start next year under a public‑private partnership
- The construction of an New 8‑storey Engineering Block
Prof. Afoakwa noted that these projects collectively advance GCTU’s transformation into a world‑class technology and innovation hub dubbed Ghana’s “Silicon Valley”: a hub of digital transformation, research, entrepreneurship and cutting‑edge technology. He reaffirmed Management’s commitment to academic excellence, innovation and long‑term sustainability. Prof. Afoakwa gave a breakdown of the graduands as: Faculty of Computing & Information Systems (FoCIS): 1,379; Faculty of Engineering (FoE): 136; Business School: 456; Institute of Continuing Distance Education (ICDE): 27; undergraduates and 123 Postgraduates (PhD, MSc, MBA, MPhil).
Earlier, the GCTU Council Chairman, Ing. Divine D.K. Kpetigo, underscored the importance of congregations. He said it is one of the rituals of universities, offering them the opportunity to reflect on how well they are discharging their responsibilities of providing the necessary academic services and fulfilling their corporate responsibilities to stakeholders – students, parents and the wider community. “GCTU, as an institution of higher learning, we have been entrusted with preparing young people for the future. The University’s Management remains committed to improving graduation outcomes and student satisfaction and will continue to do everything in its power to provide students with an outstanding experience,” Ing. Kpetigo indicated. He urged the students to view the event as the right step into a new stage of their lives. “Let the GCTU experience inspire in you a lifelong desire for learning. Management, staff and members of the GCTU fraternity share in the joy of your successful completion of study,” he remarked.
The Valedictorian, Mr. David Ankomah, who earned a B.Sc. in Electrical and Electronics Engineering with a final CGPA of 3.83, reflected on the journey that had brought him and his mates to this milestone – hard work, good friendships, support of family, faculty and staff. He thanked God, the University administration, Staff and his mother for their guidance and support. Mr. Ankomah urged graduands to: Measure success by the impact they make and the integrity they keep; seize opportunities wisely, avoid unnecessary risks; view graduation as a new beginning, dream big while staying grounded and support their alma mater. He ended his speech with Winston Churchill’s encouraging quotation – “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.”
A total of 60 academic and special awards were given to deserving students at both the postgraduate and undergraduate levels.
The event was interspersed with interesting performances from the GCTU Regimental Band/Cadet and the GCTU Royal Cultural Troupe, making the entire event colourful.
Click on the link below to view more pictures from the event:
https://site.gctu.edu.gh/photo-gallery?category=35th_congregation_ceremony
