The school has made a solemn pledge to expand access to quality education and facilitate the transformation and integration of marginalised groups, particularly prison inmates, as productive members of society.
Professor Johnson Nyarko Boampong, the Vice Chancellor of the University, with a strong conviction, averred that extending education to correctional facilities reduced recidivism and fostered the personal development of inmates.
He made the remarks during the 10th to 12th session of the University’s 57th congregation dedicated to the College of Distance Education (CoDE).
A total of 5,291 students graduated from the school with several students receiving awards including cash, plaques, and scholarships prizes for demonstrating excellence in various fields.
Mr Martin Cudjoe of the River View Centre was adjudged the overall best graduating student, graduating with a GPA of 3.9.
Through CoDE and under its Prison Education Initiative, UCC held a touching ceremony at the Nsawam Medium Security Prison on Thursday, March 27, 2025, to graduate some trained 63 inmates.
The programme was launched in partnership with the Plan Volta Foundation to extend tertiary education to inmates at the Nsawam Medium Security Prison.
Despite initial financial challenges, UCC boldly assumed full funding responsibility to ensure it succeeded.
“This underscores UCC’s role as a pioneer in promoting access to education for all.
“The impact of the initiative extends beyond academics,” Prof Boampong stressed.
Touting some achievements of the College recently, he pointed to the completion of three major facilities – the Agona Nyakrom and Dominase campuses and the CoDE studios and E-conferencing centre on the main campus.
He added that the College had adopted a blended learning model which integrated face-to-face and digital instructions to equip students with critical 21st century skills including digital literacy and effective communication to increase their employability.
The Vice Chancellor, however, noted that dire financial challenges were affecting the College’s operations.
He called for urgent increase in investments to modernise their classrooms, upgrade digital infrastructure and ensure equitable access to high quality education.
“Current budgetary limitations hinder our ability to procure essential teaching tools, refurbish our facilities and expand our digital learning platforms, elements that are vital delivering digitally competitive education” he said.
Prof Boampong entreated the graduands to leverage their knowledge and skills to drive positive change in their respective communities and beyond.
“Your education is not merely a personal asset but also a catalyst for national development,” he stressed.
UCC is the topmost ranked university in Ghana and West Africa and among the topmost ranked universities in Africa, according to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings.
GNA
