The President of the Regent University College of Science and Technology, Nana Yaw Boadi Appiah has said that Ghana, with its rich history and a promising future, stands at the threshold of unparalleled growth and development.
As the country moves forward, he said it is crucial to recognize the pivotal role that STEM education, encompassing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, plays in shaping the trajectory of our nation.
“Today’s graduates are not just receiving degrees; they are becoming change agents, armed with knowledge and skills to propel Ghana forward,” he said during the 17th Graduation ceremony on December 9.
STEM education, he explained, is not merely about mastering equations or conducting experiments; it is a mindset, a way of thinking that fosters problem-solving, critical thinking, and innovation.
“Our graduates are equipped not only to adapt to change but to drive it. They are the architects of a new Ghana, where technological advancements, scientific breakthroughs, and engineering marvels will redefine our national landscape.
“However, the road to resurgence is not a solitary journey. Global partnerships are the bridges that connect nations, fostering collaboration and mutual growth. Today’s interconnected world demands that we look beyond our borders for inspiration, resources, and support. As Regent graduates, you are not just ambassadors of Ghana but catalysts for global change.
“In the realm of STEM, collaboration knows no boundaries. Whether it’s sharing research findings with counterparts in Europe, collaborating on a technological project with partners in Asia, or engaging in joint ventures with innovators in the Americas, the global stage is yours to conquer. The challenges we face – be it climate change, healthcare disparities, or technological divides – are global, and the solutions must be so too.”
Below is his full statement…
REGENT UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, ACCRA, GHANA
17TH GRADUATION CEREMONY
ADDRESS BY THE PRESIDENT, NANA YAW BOADI APPIAH
Her Excellency Samira Bawumia, Second Lady of the Republic of Ghana
Chairman and Members of the Regent University Council
Hon. Minister of Education
Hon. Tina Mensah, Deputy Minister for Health and MP. Weija –Gbawe Municipality
The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Patrick Kumar
Representatives of Affiliate Institutions
Heads of Sister Institutions
Convocation
Graduands
Students
Teaching and Non- Teaching staff
Parents/Guardians
Alumni
Members of the Press
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen:
Welcome/Appreciation
On behalf of the Management and Council I welcome you all to Regent University College of Science and Technology, the land of IDEAs. Thank you all for being present at the 17th graduation ceremony of Regent University College of Science and Technology.
Permit me to extend special greetings to parents, guardians, and friends of the graduands who have spent so much resources, made sacrifices to support the academic journey of the graduating students. You have made great efforts to join them today to climax their successful academic journey with Regent University College of Science and Technology.
Today we have gathered here to celebrate the achievement of these gallant young men and women who have gone through the mill to successfully complete their studies. We recognize that this is very much your day and we are delighted to share it with you. The teaching and administrative staff at Regent are proud to have had the opportunity to work with you during your transient time here as students.
As Senator Orrin Hatch said “Graduation is not the end; it’s the beginning,” I am much aware that the hard and soft skills you have developed at Regent, the knowledge you have gained, and the contacts you have made will help you to start the beginning of life. I am confident you will succeed and be worthy ambassadors of Regent.
Two Hundred and Thirty-Three (233) students made up of 197 undergraduates and 36 graduates are graduating today.
Statistical Data for Undergraduates: 197
Male 79 (40%)
Female 118 (60%)
Statistical data on classes obtained
- First Class 32 (16%)
- Second Class Upper 119 (60%)
- Second Class Lower 44 (22%)
- Third Class 2 (1%)
Master’s Programme
A total of 36 students are also graduating from our master’s program. The 36 students comprises of 19 male students (53%) and 17 female students (47%).
I am very elated to inform you that the First cohort of our new master’s programme, MSc Law and Corporate administration are graduating today.
Statistical Data for Post Graduates: 36
- MSc Law and Corporate administration -17
- Master of Theology -3
- Master of Divinity -1
- MSc Statistics -1
Theme for Ceremony:
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, the theme for the 17th graduation ceremony is “STEM Education and Global Partnerships: Driving Africa’s Resurgence in National Development”.
Today, we stand on the precipice of a new era, celebrating not only the academic achievements of these remarkable graduates but also embracing a vision that intertwines education, innovation, and global collaboration. The theme for today’s graduation holds immense significance for us, especially in the context of our beloved nation, Ghana.
Ghana, with its rich history and a promising future, stands at the threshold of unparalleled growth and development. As we move forward, it is crucial to recognize the pivotal role that STEM education, encompassing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, plays in shaping the trajectory of our nation. Today’s graduates are not just receiving degrees; they are becoming change agents, armed with knowledge and skills to propel Ghana forward.
STEM education is not merely about mastering equations or conducting experiments; it is a mindset, a way of thinking that fosters problem-solving, critical thinking, and innovation. Our graduates are equipped not only to adapt to change but to drive it. They are the architects of a new Ghana, where technological advancements, scientific breakthroughs, and engineering marvels will redefine our national landscape.
However, the road to resurgence is not a solitary journey. Global partnerships are the bridges that connect nations, fostering collaboration and mutual growth. Today’s interconnected world demands that we look beyond our borders for inspiration, resources, and support. As Regent graduates, you are not just ambassadors of Ghana but catalysts for global change.
In the realm of STEM, collaboration knows no boundaries. Whether it’s sharing research findings with counterparts in Europe, collaborating on a technological project with partners in Asia, or engaging in joint ventures with innovators in the Americas, the global stage is yours to conquer. The challenges we face – be it climate change, healthcare disparities, or technological divides – are global, and the solutions must be so too.
Ghana’s resurgence is not just a national endeavour; it’s a global mission. I urge you graduands to actively seek for and nurture partnerships that transcend geographical constraints, partnerships that bring together the best brains, technologies, and resources to address the challenges in Ghana.
Graduates, as you celebrate your achievements today, remember the responsibility that comes with your education. Embrace STEM as a powerful tool for transformation, and let global partnerships be the cornerstone of your journey. Ghana’s growth is in your hands, and through collaboration and innovation, you will drive our nation to new heights.
COMPLETION OF PAVON IT CENTRE
Pan African Vivax and Ovale Networks (PAVON) in collaboration with Merck and Regent University College is undertaking a research project and has established an IT Laboratory centre on Regent campus. The goal of the project is to address the seeming stall in the progression of malaria elimination on the continent of Africa. The Ultra-Modern Molecular laboratories and IT laboratory was launched on November 29, 2023.
PAVON in its bid to eliminate malaria will offer training in research to other African countries, including Botswana, Burkina Faso, South Sudan and Mali in the eradication of malaria in our part of the world.
The PAVON centre will help train students in data collection, bioinformatics and enrich the human capacity in Plasmodium Vivax, P. Ovale and P. Malariae and other host factors of infections.
Regent Academy
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The Regent Academy its operation on December 04, 2023. Admissions into the Regent Senior High School (SHS) are ongoing. However, admissions into our certificate programmes will be opened in January 2024. I entreat parents and guardians present to enroll your wards in the Senior High School (SHS) and certificate programs of Regent Academy.
The Academy will also provide access to students to pursue certificate pogrammes at Regent University. It is our vision that students who are enrolled in the Academy would graduate with a trade. It will also afford the students opportunity to pursue higher education at Regent University after successful completion.
The programmes outlined for the Regent Academy include;
- NVTI – National Vocational Training Institute
- Cyber Security Certifications
- GBCE – General Business Certificate Examination
- ABCE – Advanced Business Certificate Examination
- WAEC Diploma Certificate
The Academy would also host professional programmes such as Project Management and other professional courses. Due to this initiative we have begun discussions with the Institute of Project Management Professionals (IPMP). This provides an opportunity to graduands who want to pursue professional certification programmes.
We envision that that through the Regent Academy every Regent University College student would graduate with a trade that will help the student in his or her life.
Academic Gowns
Distinguish Ladies and gentleman, I am happy to inform you that Regent University through the grace of the Almighty God has acquired its own academic gowns. The gowns the graduands are wearing today are the newly acquired Regent University Academic gowns that will be used henceforth for our graduations.
Presidential Charter Application
At the previous graduation ceremony, I made a commitment to continue our request for a charter. I wish to announce that we have advanced and submitted all requirements to Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC). We will continue with our engagement with the commission in a bid to obtain a charter for the University. Permit me to extend my appreciation to our hardworking lectures both full time and adjunct, and administrative staff who have been working hard towards this endeavor.
Conclusion
Chair, Hon. Minister of Education, Hon. Tina Mensah, Deputy Minister for Health and MP. Weija –Gbawe Municipality
I want to take this opportunity to appeal to you on the following requests;
- Bus for the University to support our outreach programmes and industrial visits
- There is the need for a safer pedestrian crossing (probably, a bridge that will link the university to the other side of the road) for the safety of these future leaders.
- The road leading to the University is in a deplorable state and we would be grateful for the support of the District Assembly and the MP to repair it.
I urge all of the 2023 graduating class to become members of the Regent Alumni Association so that you can effectively network and provide assistance to themselves and the University.
Congratulations class of 2023 on accomplishing your tertiary education. I wish you the very best in the next phase of your lives.
Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, I appreciate your time.
Thank you.