Valley View University (VVU) has urged its graduates to uphold integrity, excellence and a strong sense of service as they transition from academic life into the world of work.
The call was made at the Kumasi Campus during the university’s 34th Graduation Ceremony, held under the theme, “Grounded in Excellence and Integrity, Commissioned to Serve.”
A total of 237 students graduated from the Kumasi Campus as part of 1,156 students who graduated from the university’s three campuses at Oyibi, Kumasi and Techiman.
The ceremony brought together university authorities, government representatives, faculty members, parents, guardians and other stakeholders to celebrate the academic achievements of the graduating class.
The Vice-Chancellor of Valley View University, Professor Dr. Daniel Ganu, PhD, urged the graduates to remain committed to integrity and excellence as they pursue their careers.
He cautioned them against taking shortcuts to success stressing that their academic qualifications must be complemented by good character, competence and a willingness to continue learning.
Professor Ganu said graduates must be prepared to adapt to the changing demands of the global economy, particularly the rapid development of technology and Artificial Intelligence.
He encouraged them to use the knowledge and skills acquired at the university to contribute meaningfully to national development while maintaining the values instilled in them during their education.
VVU Emphasises Holistic Education
The Rector of the Valley View University Kumasi Campus, Dr. Patricia Animah Nyamekye Frimpong said the institution remained committed to providing students with quality education within the values of the Seventh-day Adventist tradition.
She explained that the university places emphasis on teaching, research and the holistic development of students, rather than focusing solely on academic qualifications.
Dr. Nyamekye Frimpong said students were given opportunities to conduct research and develop their ability to think independently, while lecturers were committed to effective teaching and mentoring.
She described the university community as a close-knit family where lecturers and students work together to achieve academic and personal development.
According to her, the Kumasi Campus currently offers programmes in areas including Business, General Nursing and Education, while the university is preparing to introduce additional programmes designed to respond to the changing technological environment.
She mentioned Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity among areas being considered as the university seeks to equip students with skills relevant to the modern world of work.
Government Assures Private Institutions of Support
The Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene who represented government at the ceremony, acknowledged the important contribution of private and faith based institutions to Ghana’s education sector.
He said although government has the responsibility to provide education to citizens, it could not meet the growing demand for tertiary education alone.
Dr. Amoakohene said private, corporate and religious institutions therefore play a critical role in creating opportunities for young people to pursue higher education.
He assured Valley View University of government’s commitment to supporting institutions that contribute to the development of human capital.
The Regional Minister said the government through the Ministry of Education would continue to explore ways of supporting such institutions and addressing challenges confronting them.
He noted that Valley View University was expanding rapidly, particularly its Kumasi Campus and urged the university to continue providing opportunities for young people to acquire quality education.
237 Graduates in Kumasi
The 237 graduates from the Kumasi Campus formed part of the 1,156 graduates produced by Valley View University during the 34th Graduation Ceremony.
The university recorded 700 graduates from the main campus at Oyibi and 219 from the Techiman Campus.
The Kumasi graduation followed a series of activities including a Seniors’ Banquet, Consecration Service and Baccalaureate Service which preceded the main commencement ceremony.
The graduation marked the culmination of years of academic work for the students and opened a new chapter in their lives as they enter the professional world, pursue further education or venture into entrepreneurship.
Preparing Graduates for a Changing World
Valley View University’s emphasis on integrity, research, technology and service formed a major part of the message to the graduating class.
The university says its Seventh-day Adventist identity informs its approach to holistic education, seeking to develop students intellectually, socially, physically and spiritually.
With the institution preparing to expand its academic offerings into emerging areas such as Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity, the university is positioning itself to respond to changing technological and employment needs.
The 34th Graduation Ceremony therefore ended not only as a celebration of academic achievement but also as a call to the graduates to translate their education into responsible leadership, innovation and meaningful service to Ghana and beyond.
