More Than 28,000 Fresh Students Admitted At University of Ghana

The University of Ghana (UG) has admitted 28,149 students out of the 43,215 that applied under its undergraduate programme for the 2018/19 academic year, constituting 65 per cent of the total number of applicants.

For the 2018/19 academic year, the University received 8,106 graduate applicants and was able to offer admission to 2,462.

Out of the number, 921 males and 674 females have registered.

Professor Ebenezer Owusu, the Vice Chancellor of the University, who disclosed this at the Matriculation ceremony, said the University continued with her policies of giving opportunities to students through the Affirmative Action Policy for women and the concession for applicants from less endowed schools, athletes and students with special needs.

He noted that the UG continued to attach great importance to the presence of international students on campus.

A total of 2,537 international applicants were received for the 2018/19 academic year and the UG was able to offer admission to 734 applicants into regular programmes as well as special admission students, he said, adding that 306 students of various nationalities have registered.

He said the students were mainly on exchange programmes from the University's partner institutions in the United States of America, Canada and Asia.

The Vice Chancellor disclosed that out of the 11,216 registered freshmen, 7,289 were entitled to residence, however, only 2,488, representing 34 per cent of the resident-entitled students, had been accommodated.

'Out of this figure, 1,227 constituting 49 per cent are females, and 1,261 constituting 51 per cent are males'.

This, he noted, clearly indicates an improvement in the female male ratio trend from 40:60, to 49:50, adding that the University would continue to strive towards achieving the 50:50 ratio or better.

Prof Owusu said: 'Management continues to invest in providing accommodation and improving the living conditions in the various halls of residence by rehabilitating the halls, improving water supply, providing WIFI internet services, and providing adequate security, among several other initiatives'.

He told the matriculates that the University has a Student Financial Aid Office that assists students who are challenged financially, in the form of full or partial scholarships.

He disclosed that the University, which is celebrating its 70th Anniversary this year, faced challenges on how to diversify the sources of the Internally Generated Funds and reduce the burden on students even as they made fair contributions therefore, it had dedicated the anniversary as a fundraising effort.

He said a Green Team, made up of authorities and some students, had been formed as part of the strategic directions of the University to create an environment that was green and healthy to provide the needed congenial atmosphere for teaching and learning.

Prof. Owusu advised the matriculates to always let the core values of the University, which are loyalty, respect, integrity and commitment, be their guide.

'As you begin this new and important chapter of your lives, know that the journey will not always be smooth but as your mentors and educators, we assure you that we shall do all we can to ensure that your stay with us is peaceful for you to achieve your aim of being here, and to define your future,' he said.

Mrs Mercy Haizel-Ashia, the Registrar of the UG, who guided the students to swear the Matriculation Oath, explained that the 'Matricula' is a Latin word 'Register,' which means the registration of the new students.

She said it was necessary to confer on the students membership of the University in line with Article 31 of the University's Act, 2010, Act 806, which states that a student admitted into the University shall take the Matriculation Oath and sign the Matriculation Register.

'A student who fails to sign the Matriculation Register may be prevented from graduating by the University,' she said.

Mr David Boakye-Yeboah, an undergraduate student, who delivered a speech on the expectations of the fresh students, said they expected to be equipped with cutting-edge knowledge through theoretical and practical training.

He emphasised that through systematic procedures and processes, they expected to gain in-depth knowledge, skills and dynamic experiences to handle real life situations after their graduation.

Mr Boakye-Yeboah advised his colleagues to study and maximize their potentials to benefit their society, adding that they were fully prepared to absorb and apply their knowledge pragmatically to solve complex problems.

'Enjoy yourself and your new found freedom, have fun and meet new people. Nonetheless, let us be careful with the way we conduct ourselves as students because we cannot flout the regulations and expect to go unpunished'.