Christian Service University urges graduates to lead with faith, integrity and excellence

The Acting Vice-Chancellor of Christian Service University, Dr. Stephen Banahene, has challenged graduates to use their education as a tool for service rather than a symbol of social status, urging them to become value-driven leaders grounded in faith, integrity and excellence.

Delivering the keynote address at the University’s 49th Congregation Ceremony held in Kumasi on Saturday under the theme “New Beginning, Bright Future," Dr. Banahene reminded the 563 graduands that the true value of a degree lies in its impact on society, not in its ceremonial appeal.

He encouraged the graduates to remain connected to their alma mater by mentoring younger students, contributing resources, supporting institutional projects and representing Christian Service University with pride and purpose wherever they go. According to him, the strength of a university is measured not only by its infrastructure but also by the lifelong commitment of its alumni.

“Together, let us build an alumni community that is active, influential and anchored in the ideals of service, scholarship and spirituality,” he said.

As the graduands prepare to step into the wider world, Dr. Banahene urged them to carry three enduring virtues: faith to anchor their journey, integrity to define their character and excellence to distinguish their service. He cautioned that degrees must serve as platforms for destiny rather than decorative credentials, stressing that society awaits their contribution to make a meaningful difference for God and country.

Grounding his message in scripture, he reaffirmed the University’s Christian foundation, quoting Proverbs 22:28 and urging graduates not to depart from the values established by the institution’s founders, who placed the Lordship of Jesus Christ at the heart of all its endeavours.

Reflecting on the University’s journey, Dr. Banahene noted that Christian Service University was founded on a vision that blends academic excellence with Christian discipleship, aimed at raising men and women to transform society through knowledge, service and godly character. He described the ceremony as a significant milestone, marked by the conferment of the University’s own degrees and certificates, including awards to the first cohort of Master of Arts in Event Management students.

He said this achievement affirms that the University’s work has been firmly established and calls for deeper service, higher standards and greater impact on society.

Since attaining its charter, the University has recorded steady growth in admissions. For the 2025/2026 September session, Dr. Banahene disclosed that 1,149 applications were received, with 911 applicants representing 79 per cent accepting and registering. Of this number, 769 were undergraduates and 142 postgraduates. Total student enrolment now stands at 3,031 and is projected to rise to about 4,000, up from 2,705 in the previous academic year.

He revealed that the current gender distribution is 28.6 per cent male and 71.6 per cent female, a trend with implications for infrastructure planning. In response, the University has upgraded classrooms with modern IT facilities, expanded seating capacity, strengthened its digital infrastructure and acquired a 60-seater Tata bus to improve student transportation.

Looking ahead, Dr. Banahene announced plans to develop the University’s 11.5-acre land at Sabin Akrofrom for health-related programmes and invited investors to partner in the project. Currently, the University offers eight postgraduate, 12 undergraduate, one diploma and three certificate programmes. He added that three new programmes, Bachelor of Law, Master of Arts in Contemporary Chaplaincy Studies and Doctor of Ministry, have been submitted to GTEC and will be advertised upon accreditation.

At the ceremony, degrees and certificates were conferred on 563 graduands, made up of 235 females and 328 males. Of this number, 241 were undergraduates, 283 postgraduates and 39 received certificates in Biblical Studies and Ministry. Among the undergraduate graduands, 10 earned First Class honours, 105 Second Class Upper, 141 Second Class Lower, 25 Third Class and two obtained a Pass.

As the ceremony came to a close, the message was clear: Christian Service University is not merely producing graduates, but commissioning servants equipped to lead with competence, conscience and conviction.