Chancellor;
Members of the University Council;
Vice Chancellor
Pro Vice-Chancellors;
Registrar;
Members of the Board of Graduate studies;
Provosts, Deans and Directors;
Distinguished Guest Speaker;
Members of Convocation;
Staff and Students;
Alumni;
Parents and Guardians;
Invited Guests;
Members of the Media;
Fellow graduands;
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,
Good morning.
Today, we stand at the threshold of a new chapter, not merely as individuals who have earned advanced degrees, but as a group that has journeyed together through the rigours and rewards of graduate studies. It is my profound honour to speak on behalf of this remarkable cohort.
Cast your minds back to the early days of our programmes, the beginning that now feels like a distant memory, yet one engraved in our hearts. For many of us, it began with that first orientation, where the campus was filled with anticipation. The air was thick with excitement and a touch of fear. “Am I ready for this?” we whispered to ourselves. Those initial lectures
that challenged our preconceptions, the tentative smiles exchanged in seminar rooms, the group discussions that sparked lively debates, and the sheer volume of knowledge felt like an ocean we were just learning to swim in. We were masters of our undergraduate (or master's) programmes, yet here we were, beginners again, surrounded by peers whose intellect
intimidated and inspired us in equal measure. We also formed connections through shared confusion about online lectures, spirited debates in our common rooms, and the universal graduate student question: “So, what exactly is your research about?”
Our inspiration for embarking on this path was as diverse as we are. For some, it was a burning curiosity to solve a specific problem; to deconstruct a historical narrative, or to design a more equitable policy. For others, it was the drive to deepen expertise, to change careers, or to fulfil a lifelong dream of contributing to the great conversation of human knowledge. Yet, beneath these individual desires lay a common thread: a belief in the power of deeper understanding.We were inspired by the potential of what we could learn and, most importantly, what we could do with that learning.
Of course, this path was not a gentle stroll in the park; it was a mountain to climb. Our challenges were real.
- Some were the intellectual mountains, such as the research that hit a dead end, the theory that refused to make sense, and the data that stubbornly refused to be interpreted.
- There were also the personal trials, such as balancing studies with work, with family and with life in general.
- There was the occasional loneliness of deep work, and the ever-present shadow of "imposter syndrome" that whispers doubts even after a breakthrough.
- We also faced financial constraints, the sleepless nights before deadlines, and the emotional toll of a global context that often felt uncertain.
Yet, within these challenges, we found our rhythm with perseverance and hard work.
Our future aspirations now rest on the foundation laid over these years. Some of us will advance to further research, pushing the boundaries of academia. Others will step into industries, governments, or NGOs, armed with critical thinking and specialized skills. We aspire to be not just experts but also ethical leaders, compassionate innovators, and educators in our own right. We leave here not with all the answers, but with better questions and a refined toolkit to seek solutions for a world that deeply needs them.
Chancellor, high-quality doctoral research is essential for our future, yet it cannot be sustained by individual candidates alone, especially in the area of mathematics. To become a world-class university, we must resolve the funding gaps that hinder credible research. We are encouraged by the University of Ghana’s commitment to improving the research environment and urgently appeal to the government for expanded investment in this critical endeavour.
Fellow graduands, this moment is not ours alone. We are here today as a result of the collective support that has guided us throughout our journey.
- To our parents, spouses, children, friends, and extended families, we extend our deepest gratitude. Your sacrifices, encouragement, and belief have anchored us. This degree is as much yours as it is ours. I would like to express special gratitude to my mother, Raihanah Iddrisu, and my wife, Safiatu Shafiu Alidu. I also dedicate this degree to the memory of my late father, Abubakar Ibrahim.
- To our lecturers, supervisors, and mentors: thank you. You challenged us, guided us,
and shared with us not just knowledge but also your passion. You opened doors to new
ways of thinking and held us to a standard we didn’t always know we could meet. - To the non-teaching staff: thank you for the invisible work that kept this institution
running, allowing us to focus on learning.
Most importantly, to my fellow graduands: look around. These are your comrades. We appreciate the collaborations, debates, shared frustrations, and the celebrations. We are grateful for the proofreading, feedback, solidarity, and for simply understanding what this journey felt like. You have made this experience indelible.
As we depart, we carry with us more than just a degree. We carry a shared resilience, a refined intellect, and a sense of responsibility. Let us go forth and apply the rigour, the curiosity, and the integrity we have cultivated here. We came as students. We leave as scholars, and professionals. Congratulations, graduating class of 2024/2025! May our journeys ahead be as transformative as the one we have just completed.
In all, we say “Alhamdulillahi Rabbil ‘Alamin” to wit “All praise is due to God, the lord of the universe ”.
Thank you, University of Ghana!
Long live the University of Ghana!
Thank you all for your kind attention.
Video Link: Please click the link and navigate to the timestamp 58 minutes 24 seconds to 1 hour 10 minutes 28 seconds.