UPSA urges graduates to create jobs through entrepreneurship

Catholic University of Ghana graduates 2,806 students

The Catholic University of Ghana (CUG) marked a historic milestone on October 24, 2026, during its 25th Congregation and 38th Matriculation ceremony. The university celebrated the graduation of 2,806 students and the formal admission of 1,810 freshers into its various academic programmes. A significant highlight of the event was the graduation of the institution's first-ever PhD student, representing a major advancement in the university's research capacity and academic stature. The ceremony brought together dignitaries, faculty, and families to witness the growth of an institution that now boasts a total enrollment of over 8,300 students. Chancellor Cardinal Peter Appiah Turkson delivered a poignant charge to the graduates, urging them to lead with compassion and a sense of collective responsibility. Addressing the complexities of what he described as a "VUCA" world—volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous—Cardinal Turkson emphasized that a university education must go beyond academic excellence to instill deep-seated ethical values. He cautioned against the dehumanizing potential of some modern technologies and called on the graduates to remain vulnerable to human needs and to actively unlearn prejudices in their professional and personal lives. Vice-Chancellor Professor Matthew Glover Addo outlined the university's ambitious roadmap for the coming years, including the introduction of several new Master’s degree programmes. He specifically announced plans to establish a Faculty of Law by 2027 as part of the institution's expansion strategy. Despite these successes, Professor Addo used the platform to appeal for enhanced government support for private tertiary institutions. He noted that many private universities face significant financial strains and argued that more robust state backing is essential to maintain high standards of infrastructure and practical learning for the growing student population. Bono Regional Minister Joseph Addae Akwaboa, who also attended the event, highlighted the importance of youth empowerment and practical skills in driving national development. He encouraged the new graduates to apply their knowledge creatively to solve local problems. The ceremony concluded with a reminder from university leadership for the graduates to embrace continuous learning, ensuring they remain relevant and impactful as they transition from the academic environment into the professional world.