Report by: Ben LARYEA
Accra Technical University (ATU) has admitted 8,428 new students for the 2026/2027 academic year with the call on students to build knowledge, competence, character, relationships and solutions in their educational journey.
The students were enrolled in academic disciplines including Master’s, Bachelor of Technology, Higher National Diploma (HND), Diploma, Non-Higher National programmes among others.
Speaking at the matriculation ceremony under the theme, “Beyond the Certification: From Vision to Innovation,” the Vice-Chancellor of Accra Technical University, Prof. Amevi Acakpovi, called on students to learn beyond their respective certificates, saying there is a distinction between possessing a qualification and possessing competence.
“Your certificates will tell the world what you studied, as your competence will demonstrate what you can do and your impact will reveal the difference your education has made,” he said, adding that this should be their personal challenge.
He said certificates are important and confirms that students have completed an approved programme of study and satisfied the relevant academic requirements and again explained that certificate alone does not demonstrate the full extent of your creativity, practical judgement, professional integrity or capacity to solve complex problems.
The Vice-Chancellor said ATU’s vision is to become the most preferred technical university in Africa which is sustainability-driven, industry-led with innovation-based education hence students are challenged to understand the long-term consequences of their decisions and outputs, saying when products are designed, environmental impact must be considered.
“When business plans are developed, students must consider their long-term viability and when implementing technological solutions, they must take into consideration its effects on society,” he said, noting that the training acquired at the university must respond to the realities of the World of Work (WoWs).
Prof. Amevi Acakpovi urged students to explore new ideas, consider industrial attachments, continue learning beyond the classroom, develop practical solutions, question existing approaches as part of the drive to build capacities in learning in every academic space.
He further advised students to refrain from examination malpractices, avoid falsifying academic work and plagiarism, respect the intellectual contributions of fellow students and take advantage of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence for learning, research programming, problem solving among others.
“Apply your academic oath seriously and honour it throughout your academic journey on campus and adhere also to the rules and regulations governing the university,” he said.
Source: www.thenewindependentonline.com