The University of Media, Arts and Communication (UniMAC) held its second(2nd) session of its third(3rd) congregation ceremony at its South Legon Campus, to graduate its postgraduate students. In all, two hundred and five (205) graduates were awarded Master of Philosophy and Master of Arts degrees in communication, respectively.
Steering the Congregation successfully, the Acting Registrar of UniMAC, Mrs. Patience Sowah, performed the role with grace and panache. She started off by inviting the Deputy Director General of the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), Prof. Augustine Ocloo, who served as the Chair of the Congregation to constitute the assembly. In his opening address, Prof. Augustine Ocloo remarked that, “in an era where information and communication shape global narratives, your role as graduates of this esteemed institution is pivotal. The knowledge and skills you have acquired will contribute significantly to national development and the transformation of the creative and media landscapes in Ghana and beyond”.
He also urged the students to embrace the opportunities that lie ahead with confidence and purpose in the statement that, “your education is a tool for impact – whether through storytelling, advocacy, policy development, or technological advancements in media and communication – you hold the Midas touch to change the narrative.”
In his report at the Congregation, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Eric Opoku Mensah emphasised the importance of equipping graduates with the necessary skills to contribute meaningfully to national development.
He stated that UniMAC’s vision aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in promoting quality education, gender equality, industry innovation, and reducing inequalities.
He made the unequivocal statement about the objectives of UniMAC that, “Through research, policy advocacy, and academic excellence, we remain committed to shaping a future where education serves as a bridge to prosperity.” He expressed excitement on the fact that UniMAC is training more women in the report that, “out of the total, we are graduating one hundred and 116 females and 89 males, a testament of we empowering more women to ‘accelerate action’.”
The Special Guest of Honour, the Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu was ably represented Prof. George K. T. Oduro, the Technical Advisor to the Minister and the Chair of the National Education Forum.
In his address on behalf of the Minister, Prof. Oduro underscored government’s commitment to supporting research in universities.
He stressed that research plays a crucial role in national development and assured that the government would provide the necessary resources to enhance research efforts.
He further urged graduates to apply their acquired knowledge to drive positive change in the country. Prof. Oduro further assured the university community that the government places a high premium on academic freedom as it promotes smooth university operations and ensures the efficient functioning of Governing Councils and Management.
He added, quoting the Minister of Education, “I want to assure you that John Dramani Mahama, supported by his Vice-President, Prof. Naana Jane Opoku Agyemang, a former Vice-Chancellor and a highly experienced academic, is firmly committed to empowering university councils and management to perform their statutory duties without interference. In line with this, the Ministry of Education will not interfere with statutory operations of universities or micro manage them.”
The Dean of the School of Graduate Studies and Research, Dr. George Asamoah, ably assisted by the School’s Registrar, Mrs. Brigitte Ampah, presented the graduands to the congregation for the receipt of post graduate degrees.
The Pro Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Winston Abroampa presented awards to the overall best students in both the Master of Philosophy and Master of Arts programmes, respectively. The overall best student for the Masters of Arts programme was presented to Emmanuel Anyetei Adjei and that of the overall best student for the Master of Philosophy programme went to the Very Rev. Samuel Glover Asante.
The Valedictorian for the 2nd Session of the 3rd Congregation, Very Rev. Samuel Glover Asante, the overall best student in the Master of Philosophy in Strategic Public Relations Management was overjoyed for being named the valedictorian.
In his address to the congregation, he paid glowing tribute to his lecturers and supervisors for their guidance, mentorship, and the knowledge they have so generously imparted to him.
He had this to say to his fellow graduates: “Today marks the beginning of a new chapter. UniMAC has prepared us for the outside world and we are ready to set sail. As we step into the world, adjusting our sails, let us embrace the opportunities ahead with confidence, integrity, and the drive to make meaningful impact in our respective fields.”
The Dean of the Faculty of Film and Television, Dr. Ramatu Mustapha Dadzie, an alumna of UniMAC, administered the Alumni Oath to the graduates to usher them into the fraternity of the Old UniMAC Students’ Association. As is the normal practice, the ceremony was graced by members of Convocation amidst a colourful cultural display by Abibigroma Dance Group, as Ghana marked Independence and Heritage month.
It is instructive to note that, UniMAC is a merger of the erstwhile Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ), the National Film and Television Institute (NAFTI) and the Ghana Institute of Languages by an Act of Parliament 2020 (Act 1059). The Act envisages a holding University with constituent Institutes with the power to award degrees of the holding University. UniMAC is uniquely positioned to deliver excellence in Media, Arts and Communications education at the tertiary level.
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