Accra College of Education welcomed 321 new students into its academic community on Wednesday, March 3, 2023, at the college’s 5th Matriculation Ceremony since the inception of the B.Ed. programme in the Colleges of Education.
The event, held at the college’s auditorium, marked the official induction of the newly admitted students, who will now begin their academic journey towards a range of Bachelor of Education degrees in various disciplines. The ceremony was a celebratory occasion, with speeches from the college’s leadership, an observational speech from a designated freshman, Master Benjamin Sarpong, performances by the school’s choir, and a sense of excitement and promise among the new students.
The College Secretary, Mr Clement Afriyie Oppong, admonished the students to positively engage in activities of the college and be responsible.
In his observational speech, Master Benjamin Sarpong applauded the authorities of the College for putting the necessary facilities and resources in place to make their stay on campus conducive for academic work. He also added that the college’s activities are designed to provide students with a taste of the warmth of life and work, helping them to develop the skills and qualities they need to succeed both in their studies and in their future careers.
Principal of the College, Prof. Samuel Atintono recounted the importance of the matriculation ceremony as a culture of the college. This he attributed to an opportunity for freshmen who have gained admission into the College to be officially inducted as Junior Members into the college community. He stated that the college received 1,278 qualified applications out of which a total of 321 were admitted due to limited infrastructure. Out of the 321 admitted students, 136 (43%) were males and 185 (57%) females, representing the colleges’ deliberate effort to meet the college’s gender parity target of 50:50, which gratifyingly exceeds this target thus before 2024.
The Principal also recognised the college as one of six Colleges of Education affiliated to the University of Ghana, Legon following an affiliation agreement that was signed in October 2019. He added that students who are to graduate at the end of the four years of their studies were to graduate with degree certificates awarded by the University of Ghana.
Prof. Atintono also stated that “as part of ongoing initiatives in the College, the College through its Governing Council and other key stakeholders are soliciting support from the Government and private investors to undertake various projects including the furnishing of a modern ICT centre, construction of a 1000-bed hostel facility, and refurbishment of the Science, and Home Science laboratories. These projects are targeted at improving the teaching and learning environment of the College”.
Prof. Atintono implored the students to be disciplined and always strive for excellence right from the word go during their stay on campus. He congratulated all students on their successful admission into the college community.
By Noble Selorm Dzreh, Editorial Board Member-TEJ.
