Valley View University (VVU) held its 31st congregation ceremony with grandeur and distinction over the weekend of July 13-14, 2024. The two-day event commenced with baccalaureate and consecration services on Saturday, July 13, and culminated in a Commencement ceremony on Sunday, July 14, where 845 students graduated.
The Baccalaureate Service featured Dr. Yo Han Kim, President of the Northern Asia Pacific Division as the guest speaker. Addressing the congregation, Dr. Kim inspired the graduates to aspire to greater heights and pursue excellence. He acknowledged the challenges and obstacles that lie ahead but emphasized that the training, discipline, moral character, and faith instilled by the University would equip them to overcome these hurdles and achieve their career aspirations.
Sunday’s Commencement Ceremony was a celebration of academic achievement and future potential. The University conferred degrees upon 830 students, including 6
Ph.D. recipients in Business Administration (Management, Accounting and Finance options) 76 master’s graduates, and 748 undergraduates across various disciplines such as Nursing and Midwifery, Business Administration, Education, Information Technology, Computer Science, and Development Studies.
Professor William Koomson, the Vice-Chancellor of VVU, addressed the graduates, urging them to be exemplary ambassadors of their alma mater. He emphasized the University’s core values of Excellence, Integrity and Service, encouraging the new alumni to uphold these principles as they embark on their professional journeys.
The special guest speaker, philanthropist Thomas Svanikier, underscored the importance of supporting quality education. He urged the university community to contribute towards providing educational opportunities for Ghanaian youth. During the baccalaureate service, Mr. Svanikier announced his commitment to the VVU Endowment Fund, which was launched by Pastor Professor Robert Osei-Bonsu, Chancellor of the University. As the newly appointed Chair of the Endowment Fund, Mr. Svanikier made a seed donation and pledged to cover the salary of the fund’s administrator for the next two years. He called on all Ghanaians to support the initiative to expand access to higher education.
A highlight of the Commencement ceremony was the conferral of honorary doctorate degrees to three distinguished individuals for their outstanding contributions to public service, education, social justice and human dignity. The awardees were:
1. Mr. Thomas Svanikier - recognized for his philanthropic activities, leadership and selfless service benefiting Ghana and the global community. (Doctor of Business Administration, Honoris Causa).
2. Honorable Kwame Osei Prempeh, Group CEO and Managing Director of Goil PLC - honoured for his fight for the rule of law and exemplary public service. (Doctor of Humane Letters, Honoris Causa).
3. His Excellency President Nana Addo Dankwah Akufo-Addo, special guest for the occasion - awarded for his commendable leadership and contributions to social justice, human rights, and education. (Doctor of Humane Letters, Honoris Causa).
In his acceptance speech, President Akufo-Addo expressed his gratitude to the University. He reaffirmed his commitment to championing education at all levels to drive the country’s social and economic development. He pledged to support the University to complete the School of Business, furnish the Boluwatife Hall, and establish an award scheme for the best graduating female student.
The Commencement Ceremony was graced by several prominent figures, including Honourable Akosua Frema Opare, Chief of Staff; Honourable Titus Glover, Greater Accra Regional Minister; Honourable Yaw Adutwum, Minister of Education; Honourable Bernard Okoe Boye, Minister of Health; Honourable Asamoah Boateng, Minister of Chieftaincy Affairs; Honourable Dakoa Newman, Member of Parliament for Okaikwei Constituency; and Honourable Lydia Alhassan, Member of Parliament for Ayawaso West Wuogon Constituency. The First Lady, Mrs. Rebecca Naa Okaikor Akufo-Addo, and their three daughters attended the event, adding to the significance of the occasion.
The ceremony was further enriched by the presence of the Chair of the University Council, the Vice Chair of the Council, and leadership from the West-Central Africa Division (WAD) of the SDA Church in the persons of Pastor Professor Robert Osei Bonsu, President of WAD, and Dr. Isaac Owusu Dankwah, Associate Treasurer of WAD. Also, Babcock University in Nigeria was represented by its Vice-Chancellor - Professor Ademola Tayo who gave a felicitation message in support of VVU.
VVU’s 31st Congregation Ceremony was a testament to its commitment to academic excellence and its fundamental role in shaping future leaders sculpted in moral character and learning. The event celebrated not only the achievements of its graduates but also the enduring values of Excellence, Integrity, and Service and the pursuit of knowledge in the spirit of the pioneers.
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