By Benjamin A. Commey, GNA
Accra, Feb. 18, GNA – Professor Emmanuel Ohene Afoakwa, Vice-Chancellor of the Ghana Communication Technology University (GCTU), has admonished newly admitted students to pursue knowledge with discipline and integrity.
He stressed that these values were essential to unlocking their full academic and personal potential.
He also charged them to uphold academic honesty and avoid examination malpractice, warning that the university would enforce strict measures, including dismissing students who were found culpable.
“You are therefore reminded that the pursuit of knowledge must always be grounded in discipline, honesty and accountability,” he said.
“If we catch you involving yourself in any academic examination malpractice or misconduct, you will be dealt with. You can either be suspended or sacked.”
Prof Afoakwa issued the warning at the 35th matriculation of about 5,000 newly admitted students for the 2025/2026 academic year.
He disclosed that the university received about 10,000 applications, describing the admission of about half of the applicants as “significant.”
He added that the university maintained its admission numbers despite the challenges, bringing the total student population to about 16,000.
“That means 50 per cent of those who applied are not here,” he stated.
The Vice-Chancellor described the matriculation as the beginning of a transformative journey for the freshers, noting that their formal acceptance into the university community came with rights and responsibilities.
As part of efforts to align academic training with industry demands, he announced the accreditation of several new undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.
These include BSc Data Science and Analytics, BSc Internet of Things and Big Data, BSc Network and Systems Administration, and BSc E-Commerce and Marketing Management, as well as postgraduate programmes such as MSc Digital Marketing, MA E-Business and Marketing Strategy, MSc Finance and MSc Economics with Informatics.
Prof Afoakwa said the programmes were designed to equip students with problem-solving skills, entrepreneurial thinking and innovation capacity, urging them to become job creators rather than job seekers.
“We expect graduates emerging from this university not to go out there and become job seekers only, but to have the capacity to create jobs and contribute significantly to national development as technopreneurs and digital innovators,” he said.
The Vice-Chancellor also highlighted ongoing infrastructure projects aimed at improving teaching and learning, including the completion of an eight-storey multipurpose lecture hall and office complex, which will be furnished for use next month, as well as a multipurpose sports complex and the renovation of the main library with enhanced e-resources.
In addition, he disclosed plans under a public-private partnership arrangement to construct an eight-storey hostel facility to accommodate about 1,200 students, with a second similar facility expected to commence within the year.
On industry exposure, he encouraged students to take advantage of opportunities provided by the university’s Industrial Liaison Office, including local and international internships and exchange programmes.
“We have sent students abroad and they return,” he said, warning them against absconding when the opportunity arrived.
“Your education here will train you to become the best in your field. That is what will give you a better future,” he stressed.
He also advised students to explore national scholarship schemes such as the GETFund Scholarship, the Ghana Scholarship Secretariat and the GNPC Scholarship through the Office of the Dean of Student Affairs.
He assured the new students of the university’s commitment to providing a conducive environment for academic excellence and innovation.
GNA
Edited by George-Ramsey Benamba