By: Abdallah Lanser
The Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development (AAMUSTED) celebrated the matriculation of its 2024/2025 cohort of students in a grand ceremony held on Wednesday, March 5th.
The event, which took place on the university’s campus, was a momentous occasion for the newly admitted students, marking their formal induction into the university community. The ceremony was attended by university officials, faculty members, students, and their families, all gathered to witness the beginning of a new academic journey.
The Vice Chancellor, Professor Frederick K. Sarfo, delivered a heartfelt address to the freshmen and women, welcoming them to the institution and congratulating them on their admission. He emphasized the importance of the matriculation ceremony as a rite of passage, symbolizing the students’ official recognition as members of the AAMUSTED community.
“Today, you are not just students; you are now part of a family that is committed to nurturing your talents, skills, and entrepreneurial spirit. This is the beginning of a transformative journey that will shape your future and prepare you to contribute meaningfully to society,” he said.
Professor Sarfo shared remarkable statistics about the 2024/2025 admissions cycle. The university received a total of 20,280 applications, out of which 18,281 students were offered admission, representing a 91% admission rate. This figure underscores the growing reputation of AAMUSTED as a preferred institution for skills training and entrepreneurial development.
Of the admitted students, 11,920 are undergraduates, while 1,146 are postgraduates. The gender distribution revealed a near parity, with male students constituting 51% and female students 49%. This reflects a significant improvement in female enrollment compared to previous years, demonstrating the university’s commitment to promoting gender inclusivity in higher education.
While celebrating the successful admissions, the Vice Chancellor acknowledged the challenges the university faces in accommodating all qualified applicants. He expressed regret over the inability to admit every qualified candidate, citing inadequate staffing and limited physical facilities as the primary constraints.
“It is never an easy decision to deny admission to qualified applicants, especially when they have met the minimum requirements. However, our current infrastructure and staffing limitations compel us to make these difficult choices,” he explained.
Professor Sarfo assured stakeholders that the university is actively working to address these challenges. He highlighted ongoing efforts to expand infrastructure, including the construction of new lecture blocks and state-of-the-art science laboratories. He also mentioned plans to recruit additional staff to improve the student-to-lecturer ratio and enhance the quality of education.
“We are committed to adding resources every year to increase our capacity. I can assure you that next year’s admissions will be even higher as we continue to address these challenges,” he stated.
The Vice Chancellor emphasized the importance of financial support in ensuring that students can focus on their studies without undue stress. He encouraged students to take advantage of the various scholarship programs available, particularly those targeting brilliant but needy students.
“We have several scholarship opportunities, including the GETFund scholarship and the Students Loan Trust Fund, designed to support students financially. I urge all eligible students to apply for these programs and ensure that financial constraints do not hinder your academic progress,” he said.
AAMUSTED is renowned for its unique focus on skills training and entrepreneurial development, which sets it apart from traditional universities. Professor Sarfo reiterated the university’s commitment to equipping students with practical skills that are relevant to the job market and essential for national development.
“Our curriculum is designed to not only provide you with academic knowledge but also to equip you with the skills and entrepreneurial mindset needed to thrive in today’s competitive world. We are proud to partner with local and international communities to offer training that empowers you to create jobs and contribute to economic growth,” he said.
In his address, Professor Sarfo offered valuable advice to the freshmen and women, urging them to approach their academic journey with determination, resilience, and a positive attitude. He reminded them that success is not always linear and encouraged them to remain focused even in the face of challenges.
“The road ahead may not always be smooth, but with hard work, discipline, and a commitment to excellence, you will overcome any obstacles. Utilize the opportunities available to you, develop critical thinking skills, and strive to make a positive impact on this institution and society at large,” he advised.
He also reminded students to familiarize themselves with the university’s rules and regulations, as outlined in the Students’ Handbook, which is available on the university’s website and student portals. Additionally, he cautioned against the misuse of social media and encouraged students to take responsibility for the university’s properties.
The Vice Chancellor reassured students of their safety on campus, noting that the university has invested in robust security measures to ensure a conducive learning environment. He warned against any form of misconduct and urged students to avoid actions that could jeopardize their academic careers.
“We have a team of well-trained security personnel dedicated to ensuring your safety. However, you must also play your part by adhering to the rules and maintaining discipline at all times,” he said.
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