The Valedictorian of the University of Ghana’s College of Basic and Applied Sciences (CBAS), Crystal Yassinde Elom Gaga, has encouraged continuing students not to give up during difficult times, stressing that perseverance is what sets successful people apart.
Crystal graduated with an impressive Final Grade Point Average (FGPA) of 3.94, earning a double major in Biochemistry and Chemistry.
She was named the overall best graduating student during the Day 2 afternoon session of the 2026 graduation ceremony for the Class of 2025, held at the Great Hall of the University of Ghana on Wednesday, February 11, 2026.
Speaking to Univers News on the sidelines after the ceremony, she emphasized that hard work and consistency are key to achieving one’s goals.
“It’s difficult, but the way you feel it’s difficult for you, it’s difficult for everyone. What makes the difference is when you keep going. Sometimes it will be good, sometimes it won’t, but as long as you are steady, at least you are moving—you are going somewhere. I would just tell them to keep going, keep their eyes set on whatever objectives they’ve set for themselves, and believe in themselves,” she said.
Despite being Béninoise, Crystal noted that adapting to life and education in Ghana was seamless. She described Ghana as her second home and explained that language was never a barrier.
“Ghana is like my second country. I lived here as a child, I’ve always come for holidays, and I started university here, so it made me fluent. I just adopted it, and English became my second language. I never saw it as an achievement,” she added.
Her story stands as a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the power of staying even when the path is not easy.
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Story by Erica Odeenyin Odoom | univers.ug.edu.gh
