Vice-Chancellor’s Address: Matriculation of 2022/2023 Sandwich Students of UEW
1.0 Salutation
- Members of the Management Team;
- Members of Convocation;
- SRC and GRASAG Presidents;
- Distinguished Invited Guests;
- Distinguished freshmen & women;
- Parents and Guardians;
- Ladies and Gentlemen;
- Members of the Press:
Good morning to you all!
2.0 Welcome Address
I stand before you today with great enthusiasm and pride as the Vice-Chancellor of this esteemed institution. It is my privilege to welcome you all on behalf of the Governing Council, Academic Board, and University Management, to this matriculation ceremony, marking the beginning of your academic journey at the University of Education, Winneba, for the 2022-2023 academic year.
As we gather here to celebrate this special occasion, I am deeply aware of the significance of this moment.
Today, we come together to acknowledge your commitment to higher education, to recognise the dedication and hard work that has brought you this far, and to symbolise the start of a transformative phase in your lives.
This year is especially remarkable as I am joining you as the new Vice-Chancellor of this esteemed University. I take a cue from a profound statement made by Eleanor Roosevelt, "The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." It is an honour to be a part of this vibrant and diverse academic community, and I am excited to lead and support you during your educational journey.
The University of Education, Winneba, has a rich legacy of nurturing minds, and it is our mission to provide you with a solid foundation for academic and personal growth. This institution is not just a place of learning; it is a place of exploration, innovation, and empowerment. We take immense pride in fostering an environment where students are encouraged to think critically, engage in research, and develop a strong sense of social responsibility, bearing in mind that "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." – Nelson Mandela. We are committed to instilling in you our unique brand of training and providing you with a once-in-a-lifetime educational opportunity - a source of enlightenment to inspire you to make a meaningful contribution to society.
3.0 Significance of the Matriculation Ceremony
Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, matriculation ceremonies are statutory processes that confer membership of the University on fresh students after they have fulfilled the academic prerequisites for admission by taking the matriculation oath. The oath binds the fresh students to abide by all the rules and regulations of the University as enshrined in the students’ handbook and other authorised documents of the University. The oath also requires students to be of good behaviour while pursuing their studies at the University.
The event bestows on Matriculants all rights and privileges recognised by the University as well as an obligation on the University Management, to seek the welfare of our prized students.
4.0 Admission Statistics
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, by the end of the application period for the 2022-2023 academic year, a total of 643 applicants were granted admission. This consisted of 326 females, accounting for 50.70% of the admitted students, and 317 males, representing 49.30% of the admitted cohort. Among the admitted students, 395, equivalent to 61.43%, were accepted into postgraduate programmes, while the remaining 248, making up 38.57%, were enrolled in undergraduate programmes.
5.0 Digital Transformative Initiatives
Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, I stand before you to reaffirm my commitment to the digital transformation of our University, building upon the strong foundation laid by my predecessors. We are living in an era of rapid technological advancement, and it is crucial for our institution to not only keep pace with these changes but to become a leader in embracing digital solutions for the betterment of our students, faculty, and staff. As John F. Kennedy puts it, "Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or the present are certain to miss the future."
a) New University Website
In the immediate future, you will witness the launch of a new university website that will serve as a gateway to a wealth of information and services. This website will be a user-friendly platform designed to enhance communication, accessibility, and the overall digital experience of our university community.
It will be a hub for information, resources, and opportunities, ensuring that you have easy access to everything you need to thrive in your academic journey.
b) Transcript and English Language Proficiency Requests Portal
Moreover, we are dedicated to streamlining administrative processes for your convenience.
With the launch of an online transcript requests system, you will have a seamless and efficient way to obtain your academic records. This will reduce the time and effort required to access your transcripts, allowing you to focus on your studies and personal growth.
In addition, we understand the significance of English Language Proficiency Requests, particularly in an academic environment as diverse as ours. We will introduce an online platform for these requests, making the process more accessible for all our students. This will ensure that language proficiency requirements are met with ease, and it will enhance the experience of international students who choose to study at our institution and alumni who also choose to continue their education elsewhere.
As we embark on this journey of digital transformation, we will ensure that these technological advancements not only serve the purpose of efficiency but also enhance your overall learning experience.
We will harness the power of technology to provide you with cutting-edge educational resources, online libraries, and digital learning tools that will enable you to excel in your academic pursuits.
6.0 Advice to Matriculants
My Dear Matriculants, as sandwich students, you have made a conscious choice to further your education while managing your professional and personal commitments.
This path is both challenging and rewarding, and it is a testament to your determination and perseverance. You are embarking on a journey that will demand hard work and dedication but be rest assured that the knowledge and skills you acquire will have a lasting impact on your careers and personal lives.
Throughout your time at this University, I encourage you to make use of the resources and opportunities available to you. Engage with your professors, seek mentorship, and actively participate in class discussions. The relationships you build with your peers and faculty members will be instrumental in your academic and personal growth. Our diverse community is a source of strength, and it is through collaboration and dialogue that we grow and learn.
But your education extends beyond the classroom. We also aim to develop your character, instil values of integrity, responsibility, empathy, and prepare you to be responsible citizens of the world. Remember that with knowledge comes a profound responsibility to contribute positively to society. Be active in your communities, embrace social and environmental issues, and let your actions reflect the values of this institution.
In closing, I want to leave you with this thought: Your education is an investment, not just in yourselves, but in the future. The world is evolving at an unprecedented pace, and it is essential for you to adapt and excel in this ever-changing landscape. As you matriculate into the University of Education, Winneba, for the 2022-2023 academic year, I encourage you to seize every opportunity to learn, grow, and lead.
I extend my warmest welcome to you as the new Vice-Chancellor and assure you that I am committed to your success and the advancement of our institution. This University is your canvas, and you can create your unique masterpiece.
I look forward to witnessing your achievements, and I believe that together, we can build a brighter future.
Congratulations to all of you, and may your journey at the University of Education, Winneba, be a transformative and rewarding experience.
Long live Ghana!
Long live UEW!
Thank you!
VICE-CHANCELLOR’S MATRICULATION PRONOUNCEMENT
AND NOW, BY THE POWERS IN ME VESTED, I DO HEREBY MATRICULATE YOU, ADMITTING YOU TO THE RIGHTS, PRIVILEGES, AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE FACULTIES AND HALLS OF RESIDENCE TO WHICH YOU ARE AFFILIATED IN THE UNIVERSITY OF EDUCATION, WINNEBA.
CONGRATULATIONS!!!