GCTU has marked a significant milestone by inducting over 5,000 new students at a matriculation ceremony held on Tuesday, 17th February 2026, at the University’s main campus forecourt in Tesano.
The matriculation ceremony marked a thrilling start for the new students, unlocking access to state-of-the-art facilities, seasoned academics and a nurturing environment, as GCTU keeps innovating.
In his address, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Emmanuel Ohene Afoakwa, extended his heartfelt congratulations to new students who had successfully gained admission into Ghana’s Premier ICT University. “Today marks the beginning of a transformative journey in your lives. Your matriculation into this University signifies not only your formal acceptance into the academic community of GCTU, but also your commitment to pursue knowledge, discipline, innovation and excellence,” Prof. Afoakwa emphasized. He elaborated, that despite the nationwide WASSCE challenges, GCTU has impressively matched last year’s intake, boosting its population to 16,000. This feat, he stressed, reflects the growing trust in GCTU and the dedication of its staff to academic excellence, setting the stage for a new growth chapter.
Prof. Afoakwa highlighted new, exciting programmes tailored to industry needs, noting that GCTU’s expanding portfolio now includes undergraduate options like BSc. Data Science and Analytics, BSc. Internet of Things and Big Data, BSc. Network and Systems Administration, BSc. E-Commerce and Marketing Management, Diploma in Cyber Security, Diploma in Multimedia Technology and Diploma in Web Application Development. He further added that postgraduate options such as MSc./MPhil. Digital Marketing, MA E-Business and Marketing Strategy, MA Human Resource Management with Informatics, MSc. Finance, MSc. Economics and Informatics, and MSc. Procurement and Logistics, all aimed at equipping graduates for the digital economy.
According to Prof. Afoakwa, the University has undertaken several projects to boost academic delivery and campus life, including notable infrastructure development such the construction of a Multi-Purpose Sports Complex (Completed), Renovation of the Ultra-modern Main Campus Library (Completed) and 8-Storey Lecture Hall and Offices Complex (Completed).
Ongoing projects include the 7-storey School of Graduate Studies and Research Extension Project, renovation of the Abeka campus library and the construction of the first 8-Storey hostel accommodation facility.
Prof. Afoakwa charged the new students to:
- Uphold integrity and avoid malpractices and harassments
- Grab opportunities and make most of GCTU’s excellence
- Remember Nelson Mandela’s words: “Education is the most powerful weapon to change the world”
- Use their knowledge to transform communities and contribute to global development.
“You have made an excellent choice in choosing GCTU as your academic home. This University will challenge you, inspire you and equip you with the knowledge, skills and values required to become professionals, innovators and leaders of tomorrow,” Prof. Afoakwa remarked.
A level 100 Engineering student, Gerald Ocran, spoke inspiringly on behalf of the February Class of 2026, sharing his thoughts and expectations. He emphasized that the academic journey would not be smooth sailing, encouraging his fellow students to see challenges as opportunities for growth, develop resilience, mould and strengthen their character. He further urged them to commit to learning for personal and societal betterment, stressing the need for fellow students to seize the opportunities and make their GCTU journey remarkable.
He ended his speech with a quote from the former U.N. Secretary General, Mr. Kofi Annan, highlighting education and knowledge are key to unlocking potential and driving progress: “Knowledge is power. Information is liberating. Education is the premise of progress, in every society, in every family.” He expressed his profound gratitude to the University’s Council, Management, faculty, administrators and stakeholders for their visionary leadership and dedication to excellence.
Kindly click the link below to access more photos of the event.
https://site.gctu.edu.gh/photo-gallery?category=35th_matriculation_ceremony
