The Chairman of the GCTU Governing Council, Ing. Divine D. K. Kpetigo, has urged first-year students to embrace discipline, purposeful decision-making and resilience as they begin their academic journey at the University.
He made the call at the second edition of the Start Right Programme, held on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at the University’s main campus in Tesano, Accra.
Organised by the Directorate of University Relations (UR), the programme, themed “From Knowledge to Impact,” brought together university officials, alumni and other members of the University community to provide academic and professional guidance to incoming students.
The Council Chairman also urged the students to be discerning in their choice of friends and demonstrate mutual respect, noting the importance of positive peer relationships in fostering a peaceful and supportive campus environment.
Beyond the importance of personal discipline, the programme highlighted the need for students to take their academic responsibilities seriously from the beginning of their programmes. The Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ebenezer Malcalm, cautioned against the tendency among some students to devote insufficient attention to their studies during their first and second years, only to become more committed in their final years.
He explained that poor academic performance in the early stages of university education could have lasting implications for students’ cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA), even when their performance improves in subsequent years. His remarks underscored the importance of consistent academic effort throughout the duration of a programme.
The discussions also drew attention to the responsibility students have in maintaining a safe, respectful and disciplined university environment. The Director of University Relations, Dr. Nusrat-Jahan Abubakar, highlighted concerns including examination malpractice, drug abuse, student violence, bullying, vandalism, sexual harassment and the misuse of social media.
She cautioned that involvement in such misconduct could undermine students’ academic progress, damage their reputations, restrict future opportunities and expose them to disciplinary or legal consequences.
Contributing to the discussion on personal values and academic responsibility, the General Manager of EIB Network, Reverend Nana Yaa Serwaa Sarpong (Esq.), encouraged students to remain committed to their spiritual lives while maintaining discipline in their academic pursuits. She urged them to attend lectures regularly and complete assignments independently, stressing the importance of establishing sound academic habits from the outset.
A GCTU alumnus, author and entrepreneur, Mr. Clinton Kwadwo Kwei Ofosu, further highlighted the importance of balancing social engagements with academic responsibilities, encouraging students to approach university life with a sense of purpose and responsibility.
