THE acting Rector of the Institute of Professional Studies (IPS), Prof Joshua A1abi, has challenged graduates of the IPS to be prepared to work in multi-disciplinary groups to solve societal problems. Prof Alabi reminded the graduates of the many opportunities that lie ahead of them, adding, "Your success will depend on how you tackle the challenges and utilise the opportunities that come your way." Prof Alabi said this at the graduation of the first batch of 371 degree students of the institute who graduated in various programmes. He said he believed the institute had equipped the graduates with the necessary skills that would enable them to carve their various niches in this competitive, globalised, knowledge-based economy of the 21st century. Prof Alabi, who will take office in January 2009, dared the graduates to put in their optimum best in whatever they would be doing, saying, "Society expects much from you and you need to excel in all your endeavours." He also used the opportunity to congratulate the outgoing Rector, Rev J.J.M. Martey, and some administrative staff for working hard under trying conditions to ensure that the degree programmes were firmly established in the institute. The Chairman of the IPS Governing Council, Mr Idris Egala, told the graduates that the degree alone would not make them competitive on the job market, adding, "You need more than a degree; you need to be hardworking." He announced that 20 students of the institute obtained first class in various subjects, adding that it was a good indication of the efforts put in by both lecturers and students. Prizes were awarded to best performing students from the various departments, with the overall best student award going to Peter Adams. Others who won awards were Kennedy Agyeman-Dankwah, Juliet Tando, Ernestina Happy Ahorlu and Korley Nortey. They all took home certificates and cash prizes ranging from GH¢200 to GH¢500. Source: Daily Graphic