Over 22,000 New Students Begin Academic Journey at UG as Management Urges Them to Embrace Opportunities and Strive for Excellence

Some 22,000 new students, comprising 17,473 undergraduates and 4,523 graduate students, have officially begun their academic journey at the University of Ghana following the completion of matriculation ceremonies on Saturday, February 8, 2025. 

These students enrolled out of a pool of over 40,000 applicants admitted for the 2024/2025 academic year. 

The official welcome ceremony, the first in-person event since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, saw the attendance of University Officials, Deans, Directors, Heads of Department, faculty and staff. 

Across five sessions held in the Great Hall, Cedi Conference Centre and the Accra City Campus, the students had the opportunity to take the Matriculation Oath, administered by the various College Registrars, Mrs. Mavis Otoo-Ayeh, College Registrar, College of Basic and Applied Sciences (CBAS); Mr. Benedict Fosu Adjei, College Registrar, College of Humanities (COH); Mr. Worlanyo Newton Torvinyo, College Registrar, College of Health Sciences (CHS); Mr. Joseph Oduro Nkansah, College Registrar, College of Education (COE); and Mr. Peter K. Osei-Fosu, Senior Assistant Registrar, Accra City Campus. 

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, was represented during the sessions by the respective Provosts/Acting Principal; Prof. Sandow Mark Yidana, Provost of CBAS; Prof. Alfred Edwin Yawson, Provost of CHS; Prof. Joseph Awetori Yaro, Provost of COH; Prof. Samuel Nii Ardey Codjoe, Provost of COE; and Prof. Francis Aboagye-Otchere, Acting Principal of the Accra City Campus. 

In a message delivered on her behalf by the respective Provosts and the Acting Principal of the Accra City Campus, the Vice-Chancellor encouraged the new students to seize the opportunities ahead, strive for academic excellence and uphold the University’s core values of loyalty, respect, integrity and commitment. 

“Your decision to join us reflects your trust in our commitment to provide quality education and nurture future leaders,” the Vice-Chancellor stated. “Success here is not only measured by the grades you earn but also by the skills you acquire, the values you embody, and the resilience you develop. You are now ambassadors of the University of Ghana. Your actions and inactions reflect on the reputation of this esteemed institution,” Prof. Amfo added. 

The Vice-Chancellor also highlighted the University’s commitment to transforming the student experience to align with world-class standards through the strategic priorities of the 2024-2029 Strategic Plan. "The first strategic priority is Transformative Student Experience. We truly cherish each of you, our students and are committed to ensuring you receive not just a world-class education but also a holistic experience that prepares you for the world beyond the University of Ghana." 

She encouraged students to engage in the innovations being introduced at the University, while announcing projects being implemented to enhance the student experience. These, Prof. Amfo intimated, included digitalisation efforts such as the refurbishment and modernisation of lecture halls with state-of-the-art technology and the One Student, One Laptop initiative, which has already distributed over 500 laptops to needy and brilliant students. She also mentioned the construction of Hotspot Comfort Zones and a Student Experience Centre, a legacy project of the UG@75 Anniversary, which will provide comprehensive student services including academic, financial aid, career, counselling and leadership training support. 

Providing statistics on the latest admissions circle, the Vice-Chancellor noted that the University received 70,636 applications from qualified applicants, out of which a total of 40,114 students were admitted for the 2024/2025 academic year, with 53.4% of the enrolled students being female.  

According to her, the University received 5,992 graduate applications and admitted 5,951 students for the 2024/2025 academic year. She noted that Management is taking pragmatic steps with the School of Graduate Studies to increase graduate enrolment and urged the new students to return for their graduate studies at UG, where scholarship opportunities are available. 

Prof. Amfo also reiterated the University’s commitment to inclusivity, providing opportunities for disadvantaged applicants, student athletes and those with disabilities. "While our admission process remains competitive, we recognise the challenges posed by limited resources, and we are working with government and private partners to expand access for future students," she said. 

International students from 14 countries were also welcomed to the University, with their diverse perspectives enriching the campus environment and contributing to a cross-cultural community. 

Addressing the challenge of accommodation, the Vice-Chancellor acknowledged that the demand for residential spaces exceeds capacity. However, she highlighted recent efforts to expand accommodation, including the commissioning of the Diamond Jubilee Hall (DJH), which can house 1,256 students. Ongoing projects such as the Pan-African Doctoral Academy Hostel and the Ghana Universities Staff Superannuation Scheme Students’ Hostel, along with partnerships with private accommodation providers, are also part of the University's strategy to address the issue. 

“Management remains committed to finding sustainable solutions,” she stated, noting that information on off-campus accommodation is available from the office of the Dean of Student Affairs. 

On financial aid, the Vice-Chancellor mentioned the University’s continued support for brilliant but needy students. “Since 2005, the Students Financial Aid Office has awarded over 280 tuition scholarships funded from internal sources, while external partners provided over 2,000 partial and full scholarships last year.” Students were encouraged to apply for scholarships and visit the Financial Aid Office for assistance. Additionally, undergraduate students were reminded of the financial aid available through the Students' Loan Trust Fund. 

Regarding campus security, Prof. Amfo assured students that the University has implemented CCTV surveillance and access control systems to enhance safety. She urged students to take responsibility for their personal safety by avoiding isolated areas, traveling in groups at night and reporting unusual occurrences to security personnel. "The University of Ghana Safety and Security Services Directorate provides 24-hour security, and your safety is a shared responsibility," she said. 

Concerning issues of student health, the Vice-Chancellor called on the students to maintain a healthy lifestyle, stressing the importance of eating well, getting enough rest, and utilising the Student Clinic when needed. “The Careers and Counselling Directorate is also available to assist students with balancing academic and social life, offering support for those facing challenges and wellness programmes throughout the year.” Prof. Amfo indicated. 

The Vice-Chancellor concluded her message by advising students to engage in co-curricular activities, explore extracurricular clubs and participate in charitable work. She also stressed the importance of discipline and responsibility, urging students to align their actions with the University's core values and familiarise themselves with University regulations to avoid jeopardising their academic journey. 

“Success here will require resilience. Engage with lecturers and academic advisors; seek guidance, and make the most of your time at the University of Ghana. Congratulations once again, and welcome to this transformative journey,” she urged. 

During the various sessions, selected members of the matriculating class of 2025 delivered expectation speeches on behalf of their peers. They were Miss Maureen Adutwumwaa Acheampong (Bachelor of Arts – College of Humanities), Miss Fatimatu Mohammed (Bachelor of Education, English – College of Education), Mr. Cyril Samuel Quaye (MBChB – University of Ghana Medical School, College of Health Sciences), Mr. Jerrold Xornam Kyekye (BSc. Computer Engineering – College of Basic and Applied Sciences), and Mr. Horris Michael Hammond (BSc. Administration – Accra City Campus). 

In their speeches, they expressed gratitude for the opportunity to join the University and thanked Management for providing an environment conducive to growth and learning. They encouraged their fellow students to embrace challenges with determination and resilience, take full advantage of the opportunities available, explore new passions, and contribute positively to the university community. They also reminded their colleagues that they have the responsibility to shape their own futures and make the most of their time at Ghana’s premier University. 

The sessions at the Great Hall and Cedi Conference Centre were moderated by the Director of Public Affairs, Dr. (Mrs.) Elizier Taiba Ameyaw-Buronyah, and the Senior Assistant Registrar at the Documentation and Information Unit of the Public Affairs Directorate, Ms. Pascaline K. Songsore, respectively. 

As these students embark on their academic journey, the University Management encourages them to make full use of the resources available, build meaningful networks, and actively engage in activities that foster both academic excellence and personal development. The University remains committed to supporting them in achieving their aspirations and equipping them to become global changemakers and key contributors to Ghana’s development. 

Please click here for the speeches