The Institute of Professional Studies has inaugurated its Alumni Association, in a bid to mobilize all past students of the institute to promote networking as well as promote other causes in the interest of the University and members of the Association. Launching the alumni association, the chairman of the Public Accounts Committee, Mr. Albert Kan Dapaa, who was the chairman of the ceremony and an old student himself, remembered with nostalgia his school days as far back as 1969. He was happy that though he cannot boast of an IPS degree, as an old student, the Institute is now a fully fledged university that offers masters degree programmes as well. He urged all, especially old students, to take advantage of the situation and further their education. Rector of the Institute, Professor Joshua Alabi noted that IPS has been the only university in Ghana he has ever attended and shared his vision for the institute with his alumni. He recounted his days as a student, a lecturer, his time in politics and his decision to return to serve the institute. He said he envisions an IPS that measures up to international standards and is working tirelessly with the management to make that vision a reality. He appreciated management for the support given him in steering the affairs of the Institute and appealed for a urgent action from cabinet and parliament when the university’s proposals for a change of name reach their tables. The Minister of Communications, Haruna Idrissu, also a product of the institute and the special guest of honour at the inauguration ceremony, assured the gathering that the transformation of the Institute of Professional Studies to the University Of Professional Studies had already begun. He said members of the IPS Alumni Association (IPSAA) should assist one another when need be, especially, in terms of job placements. He looked forward to commissioning hostels and lecture halls that he expects the Alumni Association to provide for their Alma Mata very soon. The occasion which was also attended by senior members of IPS, most of whom are products of the institute, also saw the induction of a nine-man executive body to steer the affairs of the association until elections in 2012. The Executives are John Kweku Mensah Mawutor - National President, Pete K. Eddeh - 1st Vice President, Nicholas Selorm Kpade - 2nd Vice President, Al-Hassan Abubakar Sadiq - Secretary, Vivian Aku Gbade - Vice Secretary, Dennis Aduku Akambase-Financial Controller, Jussif Ahmed-Treasurer, J.S.K Agbenyo-Organiser and Fred Awaah. They pledged to serve the association with all their might and with integrity to achieve the results required of them. Credit: Gifty Andoh Appiah