ATU VC urges graduates to embrace innovation, purpose

The Accra Technical University (ATU) has held its 2024 graduation ceremony, marking a significant milestone for 6,976 students who have successfully completed their academic journey.
Speaking at the congregation, Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Amevi Acakpovi, noted the importance of resilience, innovation, and purpose in shaping the future of the graduates.
He acknowledged the challenges students faced throughout their studies, from academic pressures to personal struggles, stressing that perseverance has been key to their success.

“Today is not just a celebration but a call to action, In a world that is evolving at an unprecedented pace, it is those who embrace innovation and act with purpose who will lead change.” he stated.
Academic Performance and Achievements
The Vice-Chancellor noted that 5,829 students, representing 83.56% were awarded their certificates, while 1,147 students, representing 16.44% could not meet the graduation requirements.
Professor Acakpovi highlighted key trends in student performance across various academic programmes.
He noted that 70.79% of students in the Diploma programmes successfully graduated, with only 5.17% earning First-Class honors.
However, the high non-award rate of 29.21% indicated a need for stronger academic support systems to help students meet graduation requirements.
For Higher National Diploma (HND) students, the success rate stood at 80.26%, with 9.01% securing First Class and 38.64% achieving Second Class Upper.
These results demonstrated a solid academic performance, though the Vice-Chancellor acknowledged the need for continuous improvement.
Meanwhile, the GAF Certificate, Diploma, and Advanced Diplomas category recorded the highest success rate at 99.21%, with an impressive 46.32% of graduates earning First-Class honors.
This, he said, reflected the effectiveness of the institution’s academic support structures in this particular programmes.
For Bachelor of Technology (BTech) students, 91.17% successfully completed their studies, with 13.85% attaining First-Class honors, while a majority (59.76%) graduated with Second Class Upper.
This, according to Professor Acakpovi, demonstrated a strong academic performance and consistency among students pursuing degree programmes.
Despite these achievements, he reiterated the need for enhanced mentorship, tutoring programmes, and digital learning strategies to further improve student outcomes, particularly in programs with higher non-award rates.
He further urged graduates to leverage technology and embrace lifelong learning, particularly in an era where artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship, and sustainability are shaping industries.
“Your education does not end here. The world demands bold thinkers and ethical leaders. It is up to you to step forward, innovate, and make an impact,” he encouraged.
Professor Acakpovi reminded the Class of 2024 that their journey was only beginning.
“This is not just a farewell to university life but a new chapter filled with opportunities,”
Go out there and build a future that reflects your ambitions, resilience, and the knowledge you have acquired.”he said.
Director of Tertiary at the Ministry of Education,Dr. Emmanuel Newman, praised ATU for consistently upholding technical and vocational education standards.
He acknowledged that the institution had become a beacon of excellence, contributing to both national and African educational development.
“Accra Technical University has proven itself as a leader in technical education, producing skilled, innovative, and globally competitive graduates,” he stated.
He reaffirmed government’s commitment to strengthening Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions, pledging enhanced infrastructure and resources to ensure students are well-equipped to drive Ghana’s economy.
He also noted a new initiative to train postgraduate students and develop a strong core of researchers, emphasizing the crucial role of ATU in national development.
Dr. Newman urged graduates to embrace challenges as opportunities for entrepreneurship and problem-solving.
He encouraged them to apply their skills to advance their communities and contribute to national development.
“You are not just graduates—you are innovators, problem-solvers, and change-makers, every challenge you encounter presents an opportunity to create solutions that can transform industries and lives.” he said.
By CHRISTABEL OBOSHIE ANNAN, Accra