Graduates demand more jobs at 57th UCC congregation

The University of Cape Coast (UCC) has held its 57th congregation, with graduates demanding expanded job opportunities for the youth.

The new graduates lamented that despite years of hard work and academic excellence, many of them were stepping out of the university gates into a choked job market that seemed uncertain.

The two-day event, held last Wednesday and Thursday at the university’s New Examination Centre (NEC) Auditorium, saw about 8,000 students graduating in six sessions.

The ceremony, which drew large numbers of guests, including parents, guardians, lecturers, alumni and dignitaries, was filled with excitement and a sense of fulfillment.

While the atmosphere remained joyous, several graduates used the opportunity to share their concerns and hopes for the future.

Job opportunities

"We have acquired the knowledge, the skills and the drive; what we need now are the opportunities to prove ourselves," Justice Adomako, one of the graduates stated.

The congregation 

Others expressed a desire to start their own businesses as many entrepreneurs often advice, but admitted that the high cost of setting up and sustaining a business in the current economic climate was simply beyond their reach.

"I'm ready to create my own job, but the needed capital is just not there,' Sarafina Amoako stated.

She stressed that the lack of adequate job opportunities continued to waste the potential of many young people, leaving their talents untapped and their hopes deferred.

Another recurring issues raised was the digital gap between the university’s main campus and its satellite campuses. 

Passionate appeal

In an interview after his graduation in the 12th session, Alfred Akyere, who studied Information Technology in Education, passionately appealed to the university's leadership to equip the satellite campuses with modern computers and IT-related devices.

“As students of Information Technology, our learning needs to go beyond the classroom. While UCC gave us a strong academic foundation, the practical side was often lacking because of the limited resources in our learning centres,” Mr Akyere stated.

He emphasised that the world was moving at a fast pace with the rise of technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI), making it crucial for institutions of higher learning to keep up with global standards.

“We are in a digital age where learning must be both theoretical and practical.

If our campuses are not well-equipped, we risk producing graduates who are not industry-ready,” he added.

Several other graduates echoed similar sentiments, expressing their desire to see more investment in practical training facilities, especially at the university’s distance learning centres.

Some shared their dreams of continuing their education outside the country to gain exposure to more advanced systems and technologies.

“I would love to further my education abroad, not just because of the advanced facilities, but also to gain international experience and learn from different cultures.

“I believe studying outside Ghana will expose me to practical learning environments where I can apply what I’ve already learned and broaden my worldview,” Mr Christian Abrako from Dominase campus in the Ashanti Region said.

Vice-Chancellor’s message

Responding to the concerns in his speech, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast, Professor Johnson Nyarko Boampong, acknowledged that infrastructure challenges persisted, particularly at the university’s satellite campuses.

He assured the students that efforts were underway to address the problem while calling on stakeholders to come and help them on this journey.

“We are not oblivious of the challenges facing students, especially in our satellite centres,” Professor Boampong said. 

“Management is working tirelessly to ensure that all campuses are well-equipped.

But to achieve this goal, we also need the support of stakeholders, government agencies, private organisations and our cherished alumni.”

He called on development partners and philanthropists to contribute towards expanding infrastructure to support quality teaching and learning.

He said a more robust IT infrastructure would not only improve academic performance but also position UCC graduates to compete favourably in a fast-evolving global job market.

Professor Boampong also used the occasion to advise the graduates to become ambassadors of change and development.

He urged them to apply the knowledge and skills acquired at UCC to solve societal problems, inspire others and pursue lifelong learning.

“There will be challenges in the world you are entering, but do not be discouraged,” he told the graduating class.

“Remain focused, be innovative, stay resilient, and never give up on your dreams.

Let the values and training you received here guide you in all your endeavours.”

He congratulated them on their hard work, commitment, perseverance throughout their academic journey.