The Vice-Chancellor Prof. D. D. Kuupole has stated that the University of Cape Coast will continue to chart innovative paths in responding to national needs through effective teaching, research and community engagement. “We have continued to significantly transform our knowledge base, the curricula, mode of delivery and academic support for graduate studies”, he stated. Prof. Kuupole said this during the 5th Session of the 48th Congregation of the University where 1915 graduands were awarded various Postgraduate degrees. Prof. Kuupole indicated, “We have tried to improve our ambience for promotion of academic and social life to be able to attract and train more graduate students for nation building”. The Vice-Chancellor announced that the Academic Board has given approval for the introduction of 11 new postgraduate programmes, which are currently receiving attention of both the National Council for Tertiary Education and National Accreditation Board. The new programmes include MPhil/PhD in Drug Discovery and Toxicology, MPhil/PhD in African Studies, MPhil/PhD in International Studies, MPhil/PhD in Home Economics and MPhil in Infection and Immunity. He again announced that the GETFund has accepted to fund the construction of a permanent office building for the School of Graduate Studies. Advising the graduands, the Vice-Chancellor said, “I challenge you to demonstrate at all time and at all places that you are worth the qualification you hold. Be enviable ambassadors of this great institution”. The Chancellor Sir. (Dr.) Sam Esson Jonah commended management of the University on the entrepreneurial spirit being exhibited by the University to generate income internally. Turning to the graduands, Dr. Jonah said though it might not be easy for them to get jobs, with self –determination and team balance they can succeed. “Your training here is more than the inscription on your certificate, rather they are the attributes the world will require of you”. Three of the graduands were given citations and unspecified cash rewards for their outstanding research work. They are Mr. Isaac Okyere, Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences; Mr. Wisdom Kwaku Agbevanu, College of Education and Mr. Derek Anamaale Touyire. Two members of staff of the school were also given recognition for their hard work and dedication to work. They are Mr. David Twene, a messenger cleaner and Ms. Abigail Osafo, a senior administrative assistant.
