University of Health and Allied Sciences over the weekend held its 7th Congregation for 2021-2022 regular track students. The Council Chairman, Mr. Justice Victor J.M. Dotse, conferred degrees on 826 students, among whom were the first batch of Doctor of Pharmacy students. Also graduating were 26 postgraduate students from the Fred N. Binka School of Public Health, and UHAS partner institution, Leeds Beckett University. The undergraduates comprised 228 students from the School of Allied Health Sciences, 53 from the School of Basic and Biomedical Sciences, 107 from the School of Medicine, 231 from the School of Nursing Midwifery, 30 from the School of Pharmacy, and 151 from Binka School.
Mr. Stephen Sey (top-left), a Bachelor of Diagnostic Imaging major from the School of Allied Health Sciences, was the valedictorian.
Welcoming the fresh graduates aboard the ship of protecting lives, the Guest Speaker, Mrs. Delese Mimi Darko (below left), Chief Executive Officer of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), noted that these graduates were coming aboard at a time when pandemics abound, and she advised them to take their place in the world and register their names as the astute health professionals they have been trained to become.
She said, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and other epidemics yet to come, Ghana needs all its health professionals well prepared and ready for when the next epidemic strikes: “We can’t wait for the next pandemic to take us unawares. We have to be ready and prepared.”
Mrs. Darko also advised them to continue learning and building their capacities, especially in the areas of research and development, to enable them contribute their quota in the development of cutting-edge drugs and technology: “Ghana is going into vaccine development so it is not stuck waiting for a vaccine in the next pandemic.”
Togbe Afede XIV, Agbogbomefia of Asogli State (middle), was Guest of Honour for the occasion. He charged the graduating class to be critical thinkers, having gained valuable knowledge from the University: “Education’s purpose is to liberate minds to cause you to make a difference wherever you find yourself.”
He said the graduates are entering into a world of uncertainty, especially after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and its challenges, and he pointed out that there are opportunities within the instability: “Change and uncertainties breed opportunities, therefore explore this opportunity.”
The venerable Togbe doled out GHC50,000 to the University’s endowment fund to support scholarly work, noting that UHAS has become a source of pride to the Asogli State and the Volta Region at large.
Special Guest, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum (right), Minister of Education, said, unlike some universities that train students for jobs that do not exist, UHAS trains students for positions badly needed in Ghana, adding, “UHAS is a relevant institution needed in our nation.”
Vice Chancellor Professor Lydia Aziato (left), in her report, said despite major achievements chalked by the young University, UHAS is still saddled with infrastructural, human resource, and teaching and learning challenges. She therefore appealed to all stakeholders, especially alumni and partners, to support the University.
She saluted the class of 2022, telling them: “Graduation is not the end of your academic and professional journey but rather a springboard to move you into various specialties and further research.”
The VC also advised the graduands to always be guided by the ethos and values of the University as they continue to carry its flag high.