Professor Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana, has urged graduates of the university to uphold the principles of excellence, integrity, professionalism and service in their careers and communities.

She said the knowledge, discipline and values acquired during their studies should guide them to make meaningful professional and civic contributions to society.

Prof Appiah Amfo gave the charge on Friday at the University’s 2026 Congregation for graduate and undergraduate students.

A total of 1,884 students graduated, comprising 157 PhD candidates, 1,429 master’s students and 298 undergraduate students.

She encouraged the graduates to give back to the institution that had shaped them by contributing their expertise and resources, while mentoring students who would follow in their footsteps.

Prof Appiah Amfo urged them to let the University’s mission, vision and core values guide their career paths and personal conduct.

She also encouraged the graduates to remain connected to the institution by registering on the UG Global Alumni Network App, which seeks to unite and mobilise the University’s global alumni community.

“The University continues to pursue a vision of global impact through innovative research, teaching and learning anchored in technology and human-centred values,” she said.

Prof Appiah Amfo said the University had successfully concluded the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission’s five-year cyclical institutional review, with the Commission commending the institution for significant progress in governance, research, policy development, academic quality and institutional growth.

It had also approved a policy on the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to guide faculty, staff and students on the responsible and ethical application of AI in teaching, learning, research and administration.

The Vice-Chancellor said the “One Student, One Laptop” initiative continued to expand digital access and equip students with the tools needed to thrive in an increasingly digital and interconnected world.

She said 152 students had recently received laptops under the initiative, bringing the total number distributed to 777 out of 1,198 donated by various organisations and individuals.

Prof Amfo announced the receipt of an additional 500 laptops from the Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation under the Government’s One Million Coders Programme.

She said the University had awarded 1,358 scholarships to new and continuing students during the 2025/2026 academic year to expand access to higher education.

The Vice Chancellor noted that the University had revised its Sexual Harassment and Misconduct Policy by expanding the definitions of sexual misconduct and consent, while strengthening reporting mechanisms and other safeguards.

She added that the institution had maintained its position as the leading university in Ghana and West Africa and continued to rank among Africa’s top universities in the QS World University Rankings 2027.

Professor Maame A. S. Mensa-Bonsu, Founding Head of Law at Ashesi University, urged the graduates to embrace humility as an essential quality for success.

“Humility is a necessary virtue for success. You must be willing to learn from others, admit your mistakes and listen to different perspectives,” she said.

She encouraged the graduates to pursue continuous personal and professional growth, prepare themselves to withstand pressure and criticism, and strive for excellence in their respective fields.

Mr Mohammed Abdul-Mujib, the overall best graduating student and Bachelor of Laws (LLB) graduate, said the University had helped him to become more disciplined and resilient in pursuing his career.