The Director of Academic Affairs at the University of Ghana, Mrs. Lydia Anowa Danquah, has clarified the rationale behind the February 3 deadline for registration for the February 2026 Congregation, emphasising that the date is crucial for the effective planning and organisation of the ceremony.
In an interview with Univers News following a notice issued by the Academic Affairs Directorate on January 13, 2026, regarding the registration deadline for graduates, she stressed that the congregation ceremony is optional and that all eligible students will graduate whether or not they attend.
According to her, the registration deadline enables the University to prepare essential materials and logistics ahead of the event, which is expected to host over 15,000 graduands.
“Registration is strictly for attending the congregation ceremony. All students who are eligible to graduate will be graduated whether they attend or not. But the ceremony is a great event. After all the hard work our students have undertaken, it is prudent that they come with their relatives to celebrate the outcome of their hard work,” she said.
She noted that the February 3, 2026 deadline is necessary because several processes must be completed before the ceremony begins.
“We need to plan and organise the event, and there are so many things that go into it after you register that need time to work on. We need to work on the call lists, and we need to print all the certificates for those who have registered because they will be issued their certificates as soon as they finish the ceremony. Once they return the gowns, we give them the certificates,” she explained.
Mrs. Danquah added that preparing certificates and related materials for such a large number of graduands requires significant lead time.
“This has to be done for approximately 15,000 students or maybe more. That needs time,” she stated.
She further assured students that this year’s congregation will be more efficient compared to previous years, with improved organisation and timely distribution of graduation items.
“We are more efficient with the planning and organisation of the congregation sessions. We will ensure that all students get the accounts that they need in a timely manner so that we don’t experience the stress we went through last year. We are definitely going to issue the certificates, scroll holders, and medallions as well. I think that’s something the students are looking forward to,” she said.
Mrs. Danquah also encouraged graduands to stay informed through official communication channels.
“They should check the website and the email system for information relating to the ceremony,” she advised.
She congratulated the graduating class and reiterated that students who cannot afford to attend the ceremony will still receive their certificates.
“If somebody cannot afford it, they can always decide to come later to pick up their certificates. We will hold them for them. Academic Affairs congratulates all our students. We are very proud of them, and we look forward to hosting them at the ceremony,” she added.
The February 2026 Congregation is scheduled to take place from February 10 to 21 at the Great Hall and the Cedi Conference Centre of the University of Ghana.
—
Story by Rocklyn Agyei | univers.ug.edu.gh
Edited by Gabriel Tecco Mensah
