A recent controversy surrounding the African University of Communications and Business's 23rd Congregation has sparked important lessons for students, university leaders, and representatives. The issue began when the university decided to issue its own certificates immediately after attaining a Presidential Charter, causing disagreement between the student body and management. Some students felt that the refusal to issue an early communique was unfair, while others chose to seek University of Ghana-affiliated certificates.
The disagreement escalated into personal attacks and insults, with some students using noxious descriptions to describe the school's Vice Chancellor and lecturers. The situation became ruinous, devastating, and heartbreaking, with online negative stories and abusive words exchanged between students. According to the university, management assured 72 students that it was working with the University of Ghana to facilitate their graduation, including entering their personal and academic records into the UG student management system.
The concern lies not with students expressing disagreement, but with the manner in which they pursued their grievance. A disagreement should not become a campaign against the institution, nor should it prompt derogatory comments or attempts to discredit people who hold different views. Such conduct can harden positions, damage relationships, and distract from the issue that needs to be resolved. Students have every right to question decisions and seek clarification, but this should be done in a lawful and respectful manner.
Those who chose AUCB certification had their own reasons and were entitled to celebrate their achievement, while those who preferred UG certification were equally entitled to pursue their concerns. Neither group should have to demean the other to make its position heard. A disagreement over certification should not become a contest over who can embarrass the university or spoil another student's moment of celebration.
An ex parte injunction was filed at the High Court in less than a week to the graduation ceremony, but it was dismissed on October 30, 2026, under Suit No. GJ/0083/2027. The court registry confirmed the outcome of the application as "Not Granted, Dismissed", indicating that the request to restrain the university from holding the ceremony was unsuccessful.
The columnist notes that the decision to seek an injunction was likely driven by high emotions, with the intention of obstructing the process, disrupting months of preparation, and ridiculing the school. The focus should have been on finding strategic ways to handle the situation rather than resorting to insults and harassment.
The controversy highlights the importance of developing emotional intelligence, practical skills, and judgment to navigate leadership, disagreement, and everyday challenges. Formal education remains essential to personal growth and national development, but it is equally important to apply knowledge meaningfully and develop the capacity to handle disputes in a constructive manner.
Key points
- Students' disagreement over certification should be handled in a lawful and respectful manner.
- Seeking an injunction to obstruct the university's process is not an effective way to resolve disputes.
- Developing emotional intelligence and practical skills is crucial for navigating everyday challenges.
