The University of Cape Coast (UCC), recognized as a leading institution in Ghana and West Africa, has issued a call to action for increased financial support to bolster its research endeavors. Vice Chancellor Professor Johnson Nyarko Boampong emphasized the critical need for additional funding, highlighting the detrimental impact of inadequate resources on both academic progress and national development. He described the current funding situation as a “major challenge” hindering the university’s ability to conduct vital research. This appeal for support was made during the 15th session of UCC’s 57th congregation, a ceremony dedicated to the graduating class of the School of Graduate Studies.
The congregation celebrated the academic accomplishments of 1,187 postgraduate students. These graduates represented a diverse range of disciplines, encompassing doctoral and master’s level programs in areas such as philosophy, commerce, nursing, education, business administration, science, and arts. The conferral of degrees marked a significant milestone for the graduates and underscored UCC’s commitment to providing high-quality postgraduate education. The Vice Chancellor’s address, however, brought to light the pressing financial constraints that threaten to impede the university’s future research capabilities.
Beyond the immediate need for research funding, Professor Boampong also addressed the ongoing challenge of infrastructural deficit at UCC. Despite acknowledging progress made in enhancing the university’s facilities, he emphasized the need for further development to accommodate the growing demands of both research and education. He outlined UCC’s commitment to mobilize resources to address this infrastructure gap, recognizing its crucial role in facilitating academic success and expanding access to postgraduate programs. The Vice Chancellor reiterated the university’s dedication to resource mobilization efforts aimed at improving research infrastructure and enhancing student access to advanced academic opportunities.
In addition to infrastructure development, the Vice Chancellor articulated the university’s strategic objectives for enhancing academic studies and promoting international collaboration. He stressed the intention to intensify postgraduate education access and scholarship support, underscoring UCC’s resolve to provide enhanced educational opportunities for postgraduate students. The university intends to internationalize its research activities, fostering partnerships with global stakeholders to expand research horizons and increase enrollment of international students. This strategy is intended to enrich the research experience for the community and attract a wider pool of scholars to the campus.
Professor Boampong detailed the recent achievements of the School of Graduate Studies, highlighting the successful organization of the fifth international conference, an event that attracted considerable participation. Addressing the issue of delays in thesis examinations, he announced a decision by the University’s Governing Council to increase the examination fee paid to lecturers for assessing student research. This measure seeks to incentivize timely thesis evaluations and streamline the graduation process. The Vice Chancellor’s announcements are pivotal towards addressing key challenges facing the University’s academic functions.
In his concluding remarks, the Vice Chancellor underscored the paramount importance UCC places on graduate education. He affirmed the university’s unwavering commitment to implement initiatives that equip graduates with the skills and values necessary to address contemporary societal challenges. He emphasized UCC’s focus on producing graduates who possess not only practical skills but also a strong ethical compass grounded in integrity, service, and innovation. This commitment to holistic development signifies UCC’s endeavor to nurture well-rounded individuals prepared to contribute meaningfully to society. The Vice Chancellor’s address served as both a celebration of academic achievement and a call to action, urging stakeholders to support UCC’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its research capabilities and enhance the quality of its postgraduate programs.
