UEW Vice-Chancellor Urges Students to Uphold Integrity Beyond Academic Achievement
Prof. Stephen Jobson Mitchual, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Education, Winneba (UEW), has urged students to complement academic excellence with integrity. He stressed that good character remains the true measure of success and national transformation.
He gave the admonition during the Second Interdenominational Thanksgiving Service for the second semester of the 2025/2026 academic year organised by the University's Chaplaincy Board at the Jophus Anamuah-Mensah Conference Centre on Sunday, 26th July, 2026. The service, themed "Integrity When No One is Watching," also featured the handing over and swearing in of newly elected executives of the Students' Chaplaincy Committee.
Administering the oath of office, Rev. Joseph Nana Annan, the University Chaplain, inducted the new executives led by Ms. Anita Ama Aseye Gardesey as President. Other officers sworn into office were Ms. Grace Ama Nyadu Nadah Ofori, General Secretary; Ms. Ophelia Yenpogbil Mbabort, Financial Secretary; Mr. Daniel Ankamah, Prayer Secretary; Mr. Damien Akolbilla, Bible Study and Evangelism Secretary; Mr. Naphtali Ayamga, Organiser and Mr. Joshua Uwumborbi Mbee, Chief Usher.
Delivering the sermon, Rev. Enoch Nii Narh Thompson, the Executive President of the Ghana Baptist Convention and Chairman of the Christian Council of Ghana, challenged students to pursue integrity as a lifelong virtue. He argued that academic qualifications without moral character pose a danger to society. He observed that Africa's development challenges were largely attributable to the absence of integrity among many highly educated individuals entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
Rev. Thompson described integrity as remaining truthful and morally upright even when no one appears to be watching. He urged students to reject examination malpractice, plagiarism, fabrication of research data, substance abuse, sexual immorality and other unethical practices that undermine personal character and professional credibility.
He further encouraged students to cultivate what he termed a "360-degree integrity consciousness," reminding them that God, their conscience, heavenly beings and even the forces of evil remain witnesses to their actions. According to him, a life of integrity brings peace of conscience, boldness before God, divine favour and protection from destruction.
Prof. Mitchual commended the speaker for delivering a timely message, describing integrity as the critical ingredient Ghana and Africa need to unlock their vast human and natural resources for sustainable development. He maintained that certificates alone do not guarantee success, insisting that integrity, ethical conduct and the right attitude distinguish truly successful individuals.
"As you leave this institution, we expect you to be men and women of integrity. Your certificate without integrity is dangerous. Whatever good you set your heart to do, God will support you if you remain upright," he stated.
The Vice-Chancellor also expressed appreciation to staff and students for the peaceful academic semester and encouraged them to uphold honesty during the examinations. He warned that the University would continue to deal decisively with examination malpractice.
In his farewell address, Mr. Courage Yevugah, the immediate past Students' Chaplain, reflected on the outgoing administration's stewardship. He described chaplaincy leadership as a sacred responsibility of coordinating interdenominational activities and providing spiritual support to the University community. He appealed to students and religious leaders to offer the incoming executives the necessary support to succeed.
Responding on behalf of the new executives, Ms. Anita Ama Aseye Gardesey pledged to promote unity among campus ministries, strengthen students' spiritual lives and work collaboratively with religious leaders to ensure that students pursue academic excellence while remaining firmly grounded in their faith.
