Vice-Chancellor’s Address at Matriculation

SATURDAY OCTOBER 11, 2014

SALUTATION

Chairman and Members of the University Council;

Pro-Vice Chancellors;

Registrar;

Provosts, Deans and Directors;

Heads of Department and Heads of Hall;

Senior Tutors;

Members of Convocation;

Freshmen and Women;

Parents and Guardians;

Distinguished Invited Guests;

Ladies and Gentlemen:

INTRODUCTION

It is my pleasure to extend to you, on behalf of the University Council and the University of Ghana, a warm welcome to this year’s matriculation ceremony.  Hearty congratulations to our freshmen and women who have successfully gained admission into various programmes available at our University.

The matriculation ceremony is essential not only because it marks the formal admission of students into the University, but also because it is the occasion during which matriculants pledge their allegiance to the authority of the University. It is the occasion during which matriculants are enjoined, through the administration of the Matriculation Oath, to be obedient to the Vice-Chancellor and other Officers of the University. In pledging to be of good behaviour, new students are committing themselves to avoid indiscipline and disorderliness for the duration of their time as students.

Freshmen and women; to arrive here today, you have accomplished a great deal; through your intellect, drive and perseverance you have gained admission to the premier university in Ghana. Today, as you officially start the next stage of your educational career, I would like you to focus on a few things. In front of you, as in a long winding road, you will find several tremendous opportunities, experiences and challenges that will last you a lifetime. They will define your university experience and set you on the path of professional and personal development. Seeing you here today reminds me of the beginning of my own academic journey here in 1975, and the many twists and turns that have brought me this far. As you embark on your own educational journey, I hope you will take inspiration from the good men and women you will meet here, and work hard to achieve all your dreams.

OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES

To show you the opportunities that University of Ghana affords you, let me mention a few. Today UG is one of only 3 universities in sub-Saharan Africa outside of South Africa that have been ranked in the QS World University Rankings at the 701th position. This is the very first time sub-Saharan universities have been ranked, thus showing the major improvements taking place in some universities in the region. In the Webometrics rankings of sub-Saharan African universities, UG moved from the 18^th position in 2013 to the 15^th position in 2014.

These achievements come in the wake of several reforms and investments that UG has made. We continue to improve our infrastructure steadily. We are investing in science equipment, academic buildings including lecture rooms, laboratories and offices, roads, ICT, and the library. Today we have the best structured PhD programmes in the whole of Africa, one that others are eagerly trying to learn from. As many as 62% of our lecturers have PhD now compared to 43% only a decade ago. We have been able to rise in the rankings because we have focused on the things that any decent university must do, namely do the proper research and publish the outputs.

The fact that UG that is steadily rising does not mean that there are no serious challenges here. You will face challenges with water and it is only because there is not enough water coming to the University. We continue to work on ameliorating conditions in that respect. Again, you will face power challenges and I am sure you know why. It is for this reason that we are working with the SRC and GRASSAG to acquire a power generator for each hall of residence before the end of the semester. You will face challenges with my administration as you seek answers to questions we may not readily be in a position to answer; but please bear with us as we work to improve the administration of the University with a new decentralised structure. One of the biggest challenges we are all forced to confront today is noise pollution. They come from three main sources: public transport operators trying to take over the campus, students celebrating hall week and religious groups that erroneously believe that prayer is most effective when it is loud. It has been extremely difficult to tackle these in view of the changing social dynamics of this country. I will appeal to you consider how best you can help us to contain the situation before it gets out of hand.

ADMISSIONS

Admissions into the University of Ghana continue to be very competitive. Once again, the University made it possible for students who completed their WASSCE in May, to enter the University in the same year of writing the examinations. For the first time, the University took up the additional challenge of admitting students in the West African sub-region who wrote their final senior high school examinations in May 2014. This is commendable especially because many other public universities in Ghana were unable to admit even the Ghanaian students who completed Senior High School this year, and I salute the teams who worked hard to make this a reality.     

One major challenge we have faced over the years is that applicants complete and submit their online application forms before the release of results by the West African Examinations Council. After the release of the results, some applicants realise that they do not have the aggregate required for the programmes they have chosen. To reduce this burden, for this year’s admissions, applicants were given the chance to go back to their online application forms to review and make changes to the programmes selected if they so wished, after results were released in August. The re-opening of the system had its advantages and disadvantages. Guided by last year’s cut-off points, most applicants were able to make changes to the programmes they had selected. As we all know, the cut-off points are determined by the quotas set by the University and the general performance of applicants at their final examinations. With general performance dropping this year, a few people who had made changes were disadvantaged.

The University continues to receive large numbers of applications for admission each year. However, due to the limited facilities and human resources in the University, we are forced to once again turn down the applications of many otherwise qualified applicants.

For the 2014/2015 academic year, the University received a total of 37, 326, applications made up of 30, 083 undergraduate applications and 7, 243 graduate applications. This is an increase of 1, 033 more applications than the University received 2 years ago. As you are aware, last year was a peculiar year in which the University received over 54,000 applications as a result of the fact that 2 cohorts of students wrote the WASSCE in May 2013.

For the 2014/2015 academic year, the University admitted students into programmes on the Main Campus, the Korle Bu Campus and the Accra City Campus, and was able to offer admission to 14, 883 applicants made up of  11, 944 undergraduate and 2,939 graduate students. Out of the number offered admission, 7,275 have registered, made up of 5, 336 undergraduate students and 1, 939 graduate students.  The cut-off points for the 2014/2015 admissions were as follows:

The University continued with its policy of giving the opportunity of university education to applicants from Less Endowed Schools on concessionary basis. For the 2014/2015 academic year, following the approval by the University Council of the policy on the Admission of Student Athletes, the University for the first time, offered admission to talented sportsmen and women based on their sporting abilities.  Students admitted under the policy must first satisfy the general entry requirements of the University, and also show proof of athletic ability. We especially welcome the first batch of students admitted under this policy, and we trust that you will cooperate with officials of the Sports Directorate who will work with you to assist you effectively combine your participation in sporting activities with your academic work.

DISTANCE LEARNING

The Distance Learning programme has been restructured and is an opportunity for applicants to earn a University of Ghana degree without leaving the comfort of their homes. The mode of delivery will be through e-learning and face to face interactions. The programmes available will be the Bachelor of Science programme in Administration and the Bachelor of Arts programme. The bouquets for the Bachelor of Arts programme have been reduced to 3 attractive bouquets. 2 new programmes have been introduced and these are the Bachelor of Science programme in Information Technology and Bachelor of Science programme in Nursing for professional nurses who already have the Diploma in Nursing certificate from recognized Nursing Training Colleges in Ghana. As these programmes will be run in the regions, these professional nurses can remain at post while pursing their degree programmes. The aggregate for WASSCE applicants applying into the Distance Learning programme should not exceed aggregate 30. These new changes will take effect from February 2015, which is the beginning of the academic year for the Distance Learning programme. Applications into Distance Learning will remain open until January 15, 2015, when admissions are expected to be completed. Applicants writing the 2014 November/December WASSCE examinations are eligible to apply.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

International students in any university add to the cultural enrichment of the social as well as the academic setting. It is also our firm belief that any world-class university should have a vibrant multi-national population. In our drive to attract more international students to this University, international students who wrote their final secondary school examinations in May/June 2014, were also offered admission. A total of 1,550 international students of various nationalities have been admitted into various programmes, made up of 449 undergraduate students and 1, 101 graduate students. These include students from countries such as Algeria, Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Canada, China, Cote D’Ivoire, France, Gambia, Germany, India, Japan, Kenya, Liberia, Mali, Nigeria, Pakistan, South Korea, Taiwan, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, United Kingdom, United States of America and Zambia. Out of the numbers admitted, 57 undergraduate and 722 graduate students have registered. We would like to extend a warm welcome to all our international students and urge them to enjoy their stay in Ghana, feel at home, and make use of the services offered by the International Programmes Office.

THE COLLEGIATE SYSTEM

The University of Ghana migrated onto the collegiate system at the beginning of the 2014/2015 academic year. The new colleges created under the collegiate system of administration, and each headed by a Provost are:

·        The College of Humanities, made up of:

Ø School of Law

Ø School of Arts

Ø School of Languages

Ø School of Social Sciences

Ø School of Performing Arts

Ø University of Ghana Business School

Ø Institute of Statistical, Social &Economic Research

Ø University of Ghana Accra City Campus

Ø Institute of African Studies

Ø Regional Institute for Population Studies

Ø Centre for Social Policy Studies

Ø Centre for Gender Studies & Advocacy

Ø Centre for Migration Studies

Ø Language Centre

Ø Legon Centre for International Affairs & Diplomacy

·        The College of Basic and Applied Sciences, made up of the following:

Ø School of Agriculture

Ø School of Engineering Sciences

Ø School of Biological Sciences

Ø School of Physical & Mathematical Sciences

Ø School of Veterinary Medicine

Ø Institute of Environmental and Sanitation Studies

Ø Institute of Applied Science and Technology

Ø West African Centre for Crop Improvement

Ø Biotechnology Research Centre

Ø Livestock and Poultry Research Centre (LIPTREC), Legon

Ø Soil and Irrigation Research Centre (SIREC), Kpong

Ø Forest and Horticultural Crops Research Centre (FOHCREC), Kade

·        The College of Health Sciences, made up of the following:

Ø School of Pharmacy

Ø School of Medicine & Dentistry

Ø School of Biomedical & Allied Health Sciences

Ø School of Nursing

Ø School of Public Health

Ø Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research

Ø Centre for Tropical, Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics

·        The College of Education, made up of the following:

Ø School of Information and Communication Studies

Ø School of Education and Leadership

Ø School of Continuing & Distance Education

The purpose for the collegiate system is to decentralize the academic functions of the University. This system will provide more room for innovations at the school and college levels and the semi-autonomous nature of the colleges will enable them take more decisions on their academic programmes and administration.

ACCOMMODATION

The University continues to work towards finding a lasting solution to the chronic accommodation problem faced by students. Four new halls, housing over 7,000 students have been put up, and the 5 traditional halls have been extensively rehabilitated and decongested. Additionally, security in the halls of residence was stepped up.  Halls managed by University of Ghana Enterprises Limited (UGEL), as well as some privately owned residential facilities now operate as halls of residence with all the services available to students in the traditional halls. The University is enhancing the regulation of the operations of private hostel operators on the campus to ensure that their residents have access to the same level of services that the University makes available to students.    

Students testify that they are now more comfortable and feel more secure, and that their rooms and halls of residence in general are now more conducive and enable them to have the right frame of mind for academic work. The Office of the Dean of Student Affairs will continue to assist students desirous of being resident, but who were unable to secure accommodation, and the University welcomes private investors to assist in the provision of accommodation.

FINANCIAL AID TO STUDENTS

In 2005, the University instituted a process to assist students to significantly reduce or eliminate financial barriers that might limit their access to education here. Through the Students Financial Aid Office, financial assistance is provided to qualified students who, without such assistance, may not be able to meet their educational expenses at Legon. This aid is available in the form of scholarships, either in full or in part. About 120 students are sponsored each year through the benevolence of individuals and corporate bodies. I would like to acknowledge sponsors for the 2013/2014 academic year and to encourage others to come on board. Students facing financial challenges are encouraged to apply for consideration for the various support schemes when they are advertised. The Students Financial Aid Office is located at Bungalow Number 11, East Legon (adjacent to Akuafo Hall Annex A).

EXCELLENCE AND DISCIPLINE

Education comes with responsibility.  To you, who are fortunate enough to have been admitted to study at the University of Ghana, you have an obligation to use your education for the benefit of others.  I challenge each of you to be an active citizen of this community and every community that you will inhabit in the future. As you begin your studies at the University of Ghana, I want to encourage you to strive for excellence. I encourage you freshmen and women to take inspiration from those who have gone ahead of you and also work hard to attain laurels for yourselves and for the University, making us proud.

You cannot strive for excellence if you are not disciplined. We live in a civilized society and civility must reflect in all our actions. The University is governed by rules and regulations and there are procedures for engaging in various activities. I therefore urge all students to carefully read the regulations which are available on the University’s website and follow the procedures accordingly. I assure you that if you do this, your days in the University shall be happy and fruitful. Guard against occultism and the peddling and usage of narcotic drugs and study diligently and you will achieve excellence.

CONCLUSION

As I conclude my speech, I would like to remind all matriculants that your primary aim in coming to this University is to go through your chosen academic programme and graduate with flying colours. You should therefore begin with the end in mind. You are adults now, and we shall treat you as such. There is no more rising bell, no ‘prep’ and no dining time. Enjoy your freedom but use it responsibly. Being at the University is special for many different reasons. For many of you, this is the first time in your life that you will be truly living independently. This is an opportunity to grow and learn as a person, to discover who you are, and of course to make new friends.

You have been prepared well for this day by your parents, family and teachers. Many of your loved ones have sacrificed so much so that you may enjoy the privilege of a university education. Honour their sacrifice by behaving responsibly and making the most of this extraordinary opportunity.

Make time for social activities like scholarly lectures, sports and religious activities if you are so inclined, but do not allow these to make you lose sight of the main reason why you are here.

No doubt, some of you are entering the University with a good idea of what you want to do with your lives. Some of you are certain that you want to be doctors, lawyers, engineers or lecturers. I am also sure that the vast majority of you do not have a clue what you want to do with the education that you will go through here. My advice to you is that there is no need to worry. You have at least four years to figure this out. Always keep an open mind, as you may discover your passion in unexpected places.

Life in the University can be very exciting both intellectually and socially. The University’s Counselling and Placement Centre is available to offer assistance if required. Do make time to read notices, listen to Radio Univers on 105.7 FM and regularly visit the University’s website www.ug.edu.gh since important information will be communicated to you through these media.

On behalf of the Council of the University, members of Convocation, and on my own behalf, I would like to wish you a refreshing stay at Legon.  Once again, welcome to the University of Ghana community. Take advantage of every facility available to develop yourselves fully and to prepare for future opportunities and challenges.  Education comes with responsibility and those of you who are fortunate enough to be here have an obligation to use your education for the benefit of others who are not so fortunate. I pray that the good Lord will crown all your efforts with success.

Thank you and God bless you all.     

Professor Ernest Aryeetey

Vice-Chancellor