The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Joseph Ghartey Ampiah, has noted that the University continues to chart innovative paths to respond to international needs through teaching, research and community engagement. 
    
Prof. Ampiah explained that the University had continued to significantly transform its knowledge base, mode of delivery and academic support, especially for graduate studies.

The Vice-Chancellor made these remarks at the fifth session of the 52nd Congregation for the School of Graduate Studies. 

Statistics

Touching on the graduation statistics, Prof. Ampiah reported that the total number of graduates was 1,851 comprising 22 Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), 70 Master of Philosophy (MPhil), 18 Master of Commerce (MCom), 5 Master of Nursing, 873 Master of Education (Med), 135 Master of Business Administration (MBA),2 Executive Masters (EM), 302 Master of Science, 415 Master of Arts, 8 Post Graduate Diploma in Education and 1 Post Graduate Certificate of Education (PGCE) . 

Promotion of Academic and Social Life

Prof. Ampiah indicated that the University continued to improve its ambience for promotion of academic and social life in order to attract and train more graduate students for nation-building. “In line with two of our core values; Academic Excellence and Equity of access to all opportunities and services, we shall continue to provide the support necessary to place our graduate school on a pedestal befitting us as a University of Competitive Choice in the sub-region and beyond,” he explained.

Introduction of New Programmes

According to Prof. Ampiah, during the 2018/2019 academic year, the University mounted a number of graduate programmes for regular sandwich and distance education. He reported that graduate enrolment for the academic year as 3, 560 out of 5,548 applicants representing 64.2% intake. “Certainly, this will require the need for expansion of facilities including science and teaching laboratories and clearance from the government for engagement of qualified academic staff for postgraduate teaching and research,” he indicated.

Achievements

Throwing light on some achievements of the University within the  academic year, he indicated that approval has been given by the Minister of Agriculture for the release of cowpea varieties developed by some lecturers from the College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences led by Head of Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Professor Aaron Tettey Asare. Following the release of the cowpea varieties, the Vice-Chancellor noted that seeds would be multiplied and made available for farmers to cultivate. “This will contribute to job creation, poverty reduction and food security. The outcome of the project is in line with the government of Ghana’s “Planting for Food and Jobs” flagship programme,” he emphasised.

Another achievement he mentioned was the selection of UCC by the World Bank as the Africa Centre of Excellence for Coastal Resilience (ACECoR). He also reported that UCC was awarded by the Ghana Employees Association (GEA) trainer of the year adding that “UCC is the only University among the top 10 institutions that were awarded.

The Vice-Chancellor indicated that the UCC Sports team was adjudged the overall champions of Africa Universities Olympic Games held in Cairo, Egypt with 10 gold, 7 silver and 8 bronze medals. He further announced that the School of Business students won the maiden Tertiary Business Sense Challenge organised by the Graphic Communications Group Limited.

The Vice-Chancellor thanked faculty, staff and students who continued to lift high the image of the University. He expressed gratitude to banks and other institutions that continue to support the University.