The University of Ghana has held virtual college-based matriculation ceremonies for new students who have enrolled into the various academic programmes for the 2023/2024 academic year.
The virtual matriculation was held for the University’s four colleges; the College of Humanities, the College of Health Sciences, the College of Basic and Applied Sciences and the College of Education.
The various College Secretaries delivered the Welcome Address on behalf of the Registrar, Mrs. Emelia Agyei-Mensah at their respective ceremonies. In her statement, Mrs. Agyei-Mensah thanked colleagues at all levels for their contributions to the admissions, registration, orientation and matriculation procedures as well as putting the systems in place for the online delivery method being used this academic year.
She mentioned that the University will hold separate matriculation ceremonies for students on the Distance Education programme as well as students on special programmes later in the year.
The Registrar added that the Matriculation Ceremony was required of all new students of the University, as stated in Article 31 of the University of Ghana Act 2010, Act 806, which states among other things, that; ‘a student admitted to the University shall take the matriculation oath and sign the matriculation register. A student who fails to sign the matriculation register may be prevented from graduating by the University.’
The Provosts of the four colleges, during the ceremonies delivered the Vice- Chancellor’s address. Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo congratulated all new students on their successful admission to the University.
She stated that as a tradition, matriculation ceremonies provide new students an opportunity to be officially inducted as junior members of the University community. Prof. Amfo encouraged the new students to participate in all activities of the University and be committed to their studies.
She further outlined some major digitalisation initiatives being undertaken under her leadership. These include, the refurbishment of lecture halls with fitted state-of-the-art technologies to enhance teaching and learning; the “One student, One laptop” initiative through which 384 laptops have been distributed to needy but brilliant students to support academic work; the construction of hot-spot comfort zones as well as the construction of a Student Experience Centre as a 75th anniversary legacy project. According to the VC, the Centre will
house a Satellite Academic Affairs office; Office of the Dean of Student Affairs, Careers and Counselling Centre, Office of Students with Special Needs, Student Financial Aid Office, Students Accounts Office, SRC and GRASAG offices, Innovation and Incubation hubs and a Student Leadership Training Centre. The Experience Centre will also have a multi-purpose auditorium with smaller meeting rooms for group studies, social and religious gatherings as well as well-kept spaces relaxation, a food court, a gym, and other sporting facilities among others.
She also disclosed that the University received a total of 60,044 undergraduate applications out of which 29,758 were admitted. So far 11,500 students have enrolled with 56.6% being females and 46.4% males. She also mentioned that out of 155 international students admitted, 40 new students have enrolled across Africa, America, Asia and Europe.
Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo assured the new students that the management of the University is committed to finding a lasting solution to the problem of residential accommodation. She said steps were being taken to complete student accommodation projects including the Diamond Jubilee Hall and the PhD apartments.
She mentioned that during the 2022/2023 academic year, the University of Ghana out of its Internally Generated Funds awarded 280 students with scholarships, while the SRC also funded 238 students’ scholarships. External partners supported nearly 2,000 students with partial and full scholarships.
The matriculation oath was administered after the address of the Vice-Chancellor. Each of the four colleges nominated a student to deliver an address on their expectations and to sign the Matricula physically, on behalf of their colleagues. The newly enrolled students were expected to sign the Matricula online, confirming their membership of the University.
Taking turns to share their expectations, the nominated students expressed their preparedness to receive the best education throughout their academic journey on campus, learn lessons that will shape their careers, maximise opportunities to explore their various interests and the use of the state-of-the-art facilities for academic excellence.
The virtual ceremonies were facilitated by Dr. Elizier Ameyaw-Buronyah, Director, Public Affairs Directorate and featured Prof. Boateng Onwona-Agyeman, Provost of the College of Basic and Applied Sciences (CBAS); Prof. Samuel Nii Ardey Codjoe, Provost of the College of Education (CoE); Prof. Julius Fobil, Provost, College of Health Sciences (CHS) and Prof. Daniel Frimpong Ofori, Provost, College of Humanities (CoH), representing the Vice-Chancellor. Mrs.
Mavis Otoo-Ayeh, College Secretary, College of Basic and Applied Sciences (CBAS); Mr. Joseph Oduro Nkansah, College Secretary, College of Education (CoE); Mr. Michael Opare Atuah, College Secretary, College of Health Sciences (CHS) and Mr. Benedict Fosu Adjei, College Secretary, College of Humanities (CoH), represented the Registrar.
Prior to the matriculation ceremony, Management organised a compulsory Orientation Programme for newly admitted students. The programme carried out virtually was designed to facilitate a smooth transition into university life, acquainting students with academic responsibilities and an array of exciting co-curricular activities on campus. The orientation was also conducted by the four colleges, fostering student-college interactions.
