Graduands at the 20^th convocation ceremony of the BlueCrest University College have been urged to pursue their passions and goals with confidence and enthusiasm as they venture into the world of work.

The Dean of Academics at the College, Professor Thomas Buabeng Assan, who was also chairman of the event held at the Accra Metropolitan Assembly’s main auditorium, encouraged the graduands to keep learning and growing as individuals and professionals.

He stated that while the students are graduating at a time the country is faced with unprecedented economic upheaval, the situation also poses boundless opportunities for “confident, creative and compassionate” students as they forge their paths into a bright future.

“The skills and knowledge that you have acquired here will serve you well in any field or sector that you choose. You have already demonstrated your resilient and adaptability by completing your studies in the midst of these difficulties. You have also shown your excellence and innovation by producing high quality projects,” he said.

He further urged the graduands to develop the admirable values and character the school has nurtured in them.

“It is about becoming responsible citizens and ethical leaders. It is about contributing to the common good public interest. That is why our university has always emphasized the importance of social responsibility and civic engagement…We urge that graduates to stay connected to their alma mater and to serve the society with honor,” he said.

Vice Rector of BlueCrest University College, Eric Hanson, said to ensure that the university remains relevant and vibrant in the ever-changing educational landscape, steps have been taken to improve programme offerings and the general university governance  and financial structure.

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This, he said, is also geared towards readying the College to untether itself from the University of Education Winneba (UEW) – it’s mentoring partner – in the next three years.

“We have reduced wastage and leakages in our financial system. We have enhanced the use of technology in the delivery of services in the era of library resources, online meetings, online teaching and learning and also tried as much as possible to reduce paper operations. We have also shifted our marketing and publicity from the mainstream print and broadcast to the use of social media.

“We have provided partial scholarships to 75 students. We have also initiated the process of becoming an autonomous institution in Ghana. We want to be a chartered institution in the next three years. We have also rationalised some of our offerings to focus more on our flagship programmes.

“There are many new programmes that we have developed. And I'm also proud to indicate that once we get the approval from GTEC, we are introducing BSE in cyber security and digital forensics. We are also introducing BSc in technology, innovation and entrepreneurship.

“We will also be focusing our attention in Professional Certificate in News Production and professional certificates in Government and Construction. We are in the process of developing new programmes in data science, analytics, artificial intelligence, fashion sustainability and development, digital art and media production in the years 2025 and 2026,” he said.

He urged the graduands to be steadfast in the pursuit of their dreams and not be deterred from following their passions and making a mark in the world.

“The country, Ghana and Africa needs you and we are currently waiting for you. The path ahead may hold its own challenges, but it also brims with opportunities waiting for you to seize. Remember this the champions we have, we know about today are not supernatural. Never give up. Not even once. Ask God for strength. He will never fail you. I wish you all the best,” he said.

The Representative for the Vice Chancellor of UEW, Professor Samuel Asiedu Addo, said the academic qualifications the students have earned throughout their stay at BlueCrest College will be meaningless if they did not nurture good human relations as they venture into the job market.

He said while their qualifications and skills will take them far, their human relation skills will take them farther and attract great opportunities their way.

“In order to prosper in this fast moving job market, our students need to be practically grounded and to be able to work effectively. They also need to be flexible and creative, and to have the ability to think critically and to reflect on how they relate with their colleagues and customers.

“You can achieve all academic goals, but your human relation is what will drive you along the journey. Human relations everywhere is very important. So your journey will be fruitful. Your journey will end well provided this singular activity of human relations -good human relations - you have it.

“My only advice to you is that you are capable of doing anything. You have been trained well as you go out there, or that you need to add to your journey is about your human relations. Very, very important,” he said.

The Valedictorian, Nancy Mawulikplim Tetevi-Dah, thanked management of the school and family and friends for their unwavering support throughout their academic journey.

She said, “Your faith in us has been a shining example of the love and guidance that God bestowed upon his children. We are eternally grateful for your sacrifices and prayers which brought us to this moment.”

To her colleagues, she admonished them to hold their heads high and transform the societies they find themselves in.

“We have acquired knowledge, skills and inspiration to initiate changes that will elevate the performances of our respective organizations. Let us continue to uphold the principles and values instilled in us and what you find integrity, accountability and honesty as proficient servant leaders,” she said.

She dedicated her valedictorian speech to women. Describing the moment as an empowering one for women she urged that women “embrace challenging responsibilities and lead the charge for gender equality in leadership and governance within our beloved nation.”

Guest Speaker at the event, Umaru Sanda Amadu, a broadcast journalist at Citi TV/FM, who shared his humble beginnings with graduands, told them that with determination everything is possible.

“My guiding principle in life is determination. Let determination drive you,” he said.

According to him, if despite his humble background he has been able to achieve great heights, then it behoves on the graduands to achieve even greater heights.

“If you put in the efforts I put in with the things you have now you’re going to be way, way above where I’ve gotten to. So my challenge to you today is to go out there and shine,” he said.

The 20^th convocation ceremony was themed; “Dream. Believe. Achieve. Your journey begins now.”

It saw the graduation of some 60 students of which 36 were males and 24 were females. They were made up of five – all male – postgraduate students, and 55 undergraduate students.

The first class students were 12, six males and six females; The second class upper students were 20, of which 11 were males and nine females; The second class lower division were 21 students, 11 males and 10 females; And the third class division had two females.

Five special awards were given to graduating students for excellent performance of which four were females.