The University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) recently held the first session of its 18th Congregation at the university's auditorium in Accra. A total of 1,275 graduates from the School of Graduate Studies and the UPSA Law School received their degrees. The ceremony marked a significant milestone for the graduates who have completed their studies in various fields, including business, finance, accounting, management, communication, information systems, leadership, procurement, insurance, marketing, and law.
The Vice-Chancellor of UPSA, Professor John Kwaku Mensah Mawutor, delivered his report, highlighting the achievements of the graduating class. He announced that the cohort comprised 1,086 postgraduate graduates and 189 Bachelor of Laws (LLB) graduates. The postgraduate cohort included 554 Master of Business Administration (MBA), 222 Master of Science (MSc), 196 Master of Arts (MA), 73 Master of Philosophy (MPhil), and 41 Master of Laws (LLM) graduates.
Professor Mawutor also announced that four master's graduates achieved a perfect final Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.0 out of 4.0, a feat he described as a first in the university's history. The ceremony also marked the graduation of the inaugural cohorts of five postgraduate programs: MPhil in Information Systems, MPhil in Management, and the LLM programs in Competition and Consumer Protection Law, International Business and Commercial Law, and Natural Resources and Climate Change Law.
Addressing the graduating class, Professor Mawutor urged them to use their education to solve problems, strengthen institutions, and serve their communities. He acknowledged the discipline and determination of those who combined postgraduate studies with careers and family responsibilities. He challenged them to ask themselves, "What difference can I make because of what I have learnt?" and encouraged them to continue learning and adapting as technology and Artificial Intelligence reshape professional practice.
The Congregation Speaker, Dr. Philip Oti-Mensah, Chief Executive Officer of Universal Merchant Bank (UMB), encouraged graduates to approach their professional lives with a commitment to value creation, problem-solving, and responsible leadership. He emphasized the importance of sustaining high standards in employment, business, and public service, and urged graduates to distinguish themselves through preparation, discipline, reliability, and consistency.
The valedictory address was delivered by Ms. Klenam Aku Tsikata, who urged her fellow graduates to dream bigger than their circumstances and hold on to faith. She commended Professor Mawutor for his leadership, particularly the Young Faculty Scholarship Programme, which enabled over 30 young scholars, including herself, to pursue higher education. She celebrated UPSA's open lecturer-student relationship and saluted working students who juggled jobs and lectures.
The ceremony also highlighted the university's efforts to connect research and teaching with industry and societal needs. Professor Mawutor mentioned the maiden Innovation Week, which brought together student innovators to develop responses to practical challenges, and the establishment of the J.K. Horgle Transport and Logistics Centre of Excellence. The graduates were encouraged to make a positive impact in their respective fields and communities.
Key points
- A total of 1,275 graduates from UPSA's School of Graduate Studies and the UPSA Law School received their degrees at the 18th Congregation ceremony.
- The graduating class included 1,086 postgraduate graduates and 189 Bachelor of Laws (LLB) graduates.
- Four master's graduates achieved a perfect final Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.0 out of 4.0, a first in the university's history.
