Pentecost University (PU) held its 14th graduation ceremony on Saturday, December 17, 2022, at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Gomoa Fetteh, near Kasoa in the Central Region of Ghana.
History was made at the event as the first batch of the Elders’ Training program of the university, sponsored by The Church of Pentecost, passed out with certificates in Theology and Pastoral Studies.
Offering fraternal greetings, the Acting Vice-Chancellor of Methodist University Ghana, Very Reverend Professor John David Ekem commended the university for its continued support and called for more collaborations between Christian institutions.
“I believe the time has come for Christian private universities to join resources together in a united front. When this is done, the fortunes of this nation will be turned over,” he said.
In his address, the Chancellor of Pentecost University and Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, congratulated the University Council, management, and staff of the university for the steady progress made over the last few years.
He stated: “Education forms the bedrock of nations development and gradually the world is reckoning that the value-based education is the way to go.
Despite the increase in access to education, and the resultant knowledge explosion in the 21st century, the living condition of the vast majority of our society, especially in Africa continues to deteriorate and the society continues to be a challenge.”
Apostle Nyamekye stressed that the emergence of Christian universities in our country brings hope as we continue to work positively in the training of ethical leaders for our society.
He, therefore, noted that it is gratifying that the Pentecost University is very much alive to its core mandate and values made to the recognition of a session of our society.
He iterated that the Church will continue to support the university to expand to be able to accommodate more students from the Free SHS program as an effort to produce graduates with ethical leadership qualities.
The Chancellor further stated that the Church would continue to support the university through The Church of Pentecost Chairman Educational Fund (COPCEF), established to provide scholarships to brilliant but needy students at PU as well as infrastructural development at the university.
He urged the graduates to be ambassadors of the institution, saying, “Let’s us go out to reflect on the institution’s motto of Transformation and service.”
Delivering the state-of-the-University address, the Vice-Chancellor of Pentecost University revealed that the university aligned itself with the Ministry of Education’s drive to increase in STEM Education, and invested in the establishment of the International Digital Centre to pioneer research and teaching in industrial applications of artificial intelligence, robotics, 3D printing and smart manufacturing concepts, which according to him are all components of the much-needed industry 4.0 initiative.
Reflecting on the numerous support the Church has given individuals for further studies, and the unwavering pivot it sells for Pentecost University, he expressed his gratitude to the Chairman, Executive Council, all Heads and individuals who are committed to the University, saying, “You are not only improving the spiritual lives of people, you are impacting and transforming a whole society, nation and the world at large.
To the graduates, Apostle Professor Kodua admonished: “This world will test you on your integrity and skills. Do not fail but make us proud and let all know that you were trained at the Pentecost University. Our country does not need more graduates, there are more out there. Don’t just go and add to the numbers. We need graduates with integrity and high skills in solving problems. This is the University A+ agenda, hold the torch high.”
Graduating with a grade point average of 3.95, the Valedictorian and Overall Best Graduating Student, Master Rigwell Addisson Asiedu from the Communications Studies department recalled his days of sleepless nights while studying buttressed with frequent sicknesses. Yet, with determination, he fought through the odds.
“We had no idea of what the future held for us, for we came with various potentials and the university shaped us. We succeeded over the oars; however, the actual success hides behind the walls of the university. Excel in your fields and never settle for mediocrity because this is the end of the journey and the beginning of another,” he said.
Students ranging from the various faculties of Business Administration, Health & Allied Sciences, Science & Computing and Pentecost School of Theology & Missions received ensuing degrees from Masters, Bachelors and Diplomas and Certificates.
Other individuals who excelled in the various departments were also awarded with sponsorships from benevolent organisations and individuals respectively.
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