The Chief Justice of the Republic of Ghana , Her Ladyship , Gertrude Araba Esaaba Torkornoo has advised graduates of the University of Professional Studies ,Accra to be forthright in their dealings as they leave school into the corporate world and stick to the principles of life long learning as they strive to be changemakers in society .
Her advice comes on the back of the University of Professional Studies, Accra holding the 1st session of its 16th Congregation on Monday , October ,2024 which saw close to 4500 students being awarded certificates after meeting the academic requirements of their undergraduate studies on campus.
The well attended event saw a large participation from graduating students , Members of Convocation , distinguished guests , traditional rulers and family members in attendance to mark the big day for the graduands.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Special Guest of Honour, Gertrude Esaaba Torkornoo revealed that taking the certificates from the university after successful completion was just one leg of the journey , which must be completed by applying themselves diligently in their places of work , immediate environment and for the greater good of society as a means of showing gratitude to all those who contributed to support their dreams of acquiring university education.
” Getting your hands on this treasured certificate is just the beginning of the journey as young men and women of substance , the next step is to show the best of yourselves in your current environment such as your places of work and society and all other social groups , and make sure that the values and skills imbibed in you all these years by your lecturers and management be displayed for the full bebefit of all and sundry who come into contact with you in your everyday lives.
The graduation must not stop you from gathering more knowledge and skills in your chosen fields , it must rather spur you on to be invested in books and other resource materials that broaden your horizons in today’s ultra competitive world which is moving at the speed of light , that invaluable skill of learning , unlearning and relearning would be a weapon of positive use in the future ahead of you as tomorrow’s leaders”.
Also, the Chief Justice had a special piece of admonition for the 2024 law graduates where she asked them to set personal daily targets of reading and researching into more law books and reports to be able to stay abreast of the changing dynamics in the legal fraternity.
She was of the view that to be able to standout in the age old reputable profession of law , the graduates need to be amenable to acquiring practical skills by undertaking internships and attachments with law firms in order to get full real world understanding of how the law works as opposed to just feasting on the legal theories compiled in books which they used in school .
” To my dear Law Faculty graduates , you need to find that unblemished passion to invest your energies in reading law reports and publications on various case studies and have a set target on a daily basis ,in order to be widely read and abreast of the changing dynamics of law in tune with modern times which will stand you in good stead in your nascent careers.
Endeavour not to rest on your oars , but use your time productively by undertaking internships and attachments with law firms around town to get the real world experience of how the law works in addition to the legal theories and philosophies you chewed on during your years of study to have a balanced perspectives in general , be brave to challenge the status quo and let the world be your oyster and learning environment”.
The Vice Chancellor of UPSA, Professor Abednego Amartey, announced that a total of 5,247 students graduated this year, comprising 106 postgraduate students, 3,711 undergraduates, and 630 diploma students.
He noted that the Law School and the Faculty of Information Technology and Communication Studies presented 1,473 students for graduation. “Among these, the UPSA Law School contributed 212 students. One student achieved a first-class degree, 21 earned second class upper, 78 received second class lower, and 23 graduated with lower honors,” he stated.
