Accra Technical University graduates 5,829 students
The Accra Technical University has graduated 5,829 students, made up of 1,672 Bachelor of Technology (BTech), 3,465 Higher National Diploma (HND), 315 diploma holders and 377 certificates for the Ghana Armed Forces programme.
They were from the faculties of Engineering, Built Environment, Applied Sciences, Applied Arts and Business, marking a milestone in its mission to train skilled professionals for various industries.
The university’s 24th congregation was on the theme: “Celebrating 75 years of impacting society and driving innovation.”
The ceremony was attended by high-profile dignitaries including the MP for Klottey-Korle Constituency, Hon. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, the Development Chief of the Ga state, Nii Kojo Ashifi Papanyira, Director of Tertiary Education, Ministry of Education, Dr Emmanuel Newman, Labour Dispute Resolution expert, Mr Austin Akufo Gamey, the acting Vice-Chancellor of ATU, Prof. Amevi Acakpovi, representatives of the Commandant of the Military Academy and Training Schools and Director-General of the Commission for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (CTVET), Deans and Directors, and members of staff.
At the congregation, Prof. Acakpovi praised the resilience of the Class of 2024, urging them to boldly step into a rapidly evolving future. He emphasised that the moment was not merely an end to university life, but a significant call to action.
Reflecting on the graduates’ journey, he acknowledged the challenges faced during their academic careers, including personal sacrifices and global disruptions, saying, “We adapted, we learned, and today, we stand victorious.”
Prof. Acakpovi reminded the graduating class that a true measure of success, “is not what we achieve for ourselves, but the impact we create for others”.
“The world belongs to the bold, the innovative and the lifelong learners,” he explained. He urged graduates to use their degrees as tools for positive change, encouraging them to leave their chosen fields better than they found them,” he advised.
Transformation
In his address at the congregation, the Director of Tertiary Education, Ministry of Education, Dr Emmanuel Newman, celebrated the Class of 2024, stating that their achievements symbolised the transformative power of education and determination.
The congregation
“Today is not just a celebration of academic excellence. It is a testament to the power of determination,” he said.
He urged graduates to use their technical skills to create opportunities rather than joining associations of unemployed graduates.
“Having received this training, you cannot sit at home with the skills that you can use to create employment for yourselves,” he stated.
The director also called for a shift in education, advocating critical thinking over rote learning.
“We must move beyond traditional rote learning,” he said, stressing the need for graduates to be ready for modern job market challenges.
Concluding, he encouraged graduates to embody the university’s values, declaring, “The values you carry from this institution will define your success.”
He further advised them, “to carry the spirit of Accra Technical University” as they stepped into their future.
