UTAS graduates 710 students at 6th congregation ceremony
The graduands comprised 177 postgraduate students and 533 undergraduate students who successfully completed programmes leading to the award of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Master of Philosophy (MPhil), Master of Education (MEd), Master of Science (MSc), and various Bachelor’s degrees across diverse disciplines.
The University of Technology and Applied Sciences (UTAS), Navrongo, has graduated a total of 710 students at its 6th Congregation Ceremony held on Saturday, December 20.
The graduands comprised 177 postgraduate students and 533 undergraduate students who successfully completed programmes leading to the award of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Master of Philosophy (MPhil), Master of Education (MEd), Master of Science (MSc), and various Bachelor’s degrees across diverse disciplines.
Delivering the State of the University address, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Albert Luguterah, described UTAS as an institution on a positive growth trajectory marked by expansion, innovation, and opportunity.
“The state of our university is one of progress, promise, and possibilities. We have expanded our programmes, strengthened our research capacity, and deepened our collaborations with institutions across Africa, Europe, and beyond. Our student population continues to grow, and today we proudly confer degrees on 710 graduands, 533 undergraduates and 177 postgraduates, who have successfully completed their academic journey with us,” he stated.
Despite these gains, Professor Luguterah outlined several pressing challenges confronting the university, including inadequate academic and administrative staff, insufficient lecture halls and office space, poorly equipped laboratories, limited hostel accommodation, and the poor state of internal roads on campus. He appealed to government and stakeholders to support efforts aimed at addressing these constraints.
The Vice-Chancellor further encouraged the graduands to remain resilient and proactive as they transition into the world of work.
“Today marks not just the end of examinations and lecture halls; it marks the beginning of a new chapter in the real world, a world that will test you with challenges but also reward you with opportunities. How you rise to meet these challenges and seize these opportunities will define your success and legacy,” he advised.
The Special Guest of Honour and Deputy Minister for Education, Dr Clement Apaak, assured the university community that government is committed to resolving the infrastructural challenges facing UTAS.
“Indeed, UTAS has faced significant infrastructural challenges, with many projects regrettably stalled but only recently reactivated following the assumption of office by His Excellency John Dramani Mahama and the NDC. We are resetting the agenda, you are seeing it, feeling it, and living it,” Dr Apaak said.
He further conveyed the President’s assurance that the university’s infrastructural needs would be addressed.
“The President has asked me to assure you that your infrastructural challenges will be taken care of. There are several projects earmarked for this institution and other parts of the region,” he added.
According to Dr Apaak, the Minister for Education, with the support of the President, will ensure timely release of funds to enable contractors complete ongoing projects. These include administration blocks, lecture halls, hostels, laboratories, and internal road networks, all aimed at creating a more conducive environment for teaching, learning, and research.
The ceremony was attended by government officials, traditional leaders, university management, parents, and well-wishers who joined in celebrating the academic achievements of the graduating class.
