Pentecost University Graduates 1,479 Students, Champions Education with a purpose
A total of 1,479 students graduated from Pentecost University (PU) at its 16th congregation ceremony, held at the Pentecost Convention Centre in Gomoa Fetteh, Central Region.
The graduates were drawn from a range of faculties, including Business Administration, Analytics, Sciences, Engineering, Computing, Law, Postgraduate Studies, and the School of Theology.
Among them were 327 students sponsored by the Church of Pentecost to pursue Bachelor of Arts degrees in Theology, as well as 119 ministers’ wives who earned Certificates in Christian Ministry. In addition, 107 students graduated with Certificates in Poetry, Science, and Theatre Studies, an innovative programme introduced by the university.
In his address at the ceremony on Tuesday, under the theme “Graduands Unleash to Live a Life Worthy of Their Calling,” the Chancellor of PU, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, congratulated the graduates for their hard work and dedication.
He commended the theme of the graduation ceremony, urging the graduates to use their education for the greater good of society. He stressed that their education was not just a personal achievement but a responsibility to make a meaningful impact in the world through integrity, fairness, and justice.
The Chancellor also acknowledged the graduation of the first cohort of ministers sponsored by the Church of Pentecost, with 327 graduates completing their programmes. He highlighted the church’s efforts to sponsor underprivileged students, noting that 1,269 students had benefited from this initiative since 2019, with 248 of them participating in this year’s graduation ceremony.
The Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Kwabena Agyapong-Kodua, highlighted the university’s progress in implementing its A-Class Agenda, which aims to transition PU from a teaching-based to a research-led institution, with a focus on skills and integrity. He mentioned that the graduating class was the first to be admitted under this transformative agenda, with the second batch set to graduate in March 2025.
“Our University A-Class Agenda is rooted in the vision of bridging the gap between academic excellence and biblical values, making Pentecost University a leader in both spheres,” he explained.
He also mentioned several key accomplishments of the university in 2024, including the award of the AFW-IND Invest for Jobs Grant to establish a Technology Hub for advanced skills training in manufacturing, robotics, and artificial intelligence. PU also secured European Union research grants in partnership with institutions such as Warwick University and Nelson Mandela University, further strengthening the university’s global academic presence.
Additionally, Professor Agyapong-Kodua praised the university’s success in the 2024 Ghana Robotics Competition and the Ghana Disability Inclusive Design Academy, as well as the recognition PU received at the African Academia Awards in Ethiopia for its achievements in science, technology, and innovation.
Addressing the graduates, Professor Agyapong-Kodua urged them to use their education to contribute positively to society. “Our country does not need more graduates; it needs graduates with integrity and high skills for solving problems,” he said, reaffirming the university’s commitment to producing graduates who excel academically and spiritually, in line with the institution’s values of scholarship, skills, and service.
Some of the graduands were recognised for their exceptional performances, with Ms. Dora Appiah, a BSc. Industrial Software Engineering student, emerging as the overall best graduating student.
In her valedictory speech on behalf of all graduating students, Ms. Appiah expressed heartfelt gratitude to God, their families, and the faculty for their unwavering support and encouragement throughout their academic journeys.
She acknowledged the challenges they had faced, from sleepless nights to moments of doubt, but highlighted the resilience and determination that had kept them going. “Today, we stand not just as individuals but as a collective, proud of what we have achieved,” she said.
Ms. Appiah further added, “This moment is a testament to our hard work, sacrifices, and the dedication of those who supported us. As we embark on the next phase of our lives, let us remain committed to excellence, integrity, and service, using the knowledge and skills we have gained to make meaningful contributions to society.”
BY STEPHANIE BIRIKORANG
