The Vice Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast (UCC), Professor Joseph Ghartey Ampiah has encouraged graduates to go beyond their academic certificates and make good use of the skills and knowledge acquired to unearth their God given talents.

Professor Ghartey Ampiah said knowledge and skills would not be relevant unless they were put into use profitably and therefore they should go beyond that border, explore their thinking-capacities productively to transform society and improve the economy.

"You have acquired your certificates today but what is inside of you is far greater than a certificate. Most times, because we do not feel like the smartest, the nicest, the best looking or the most talented, our self-confidence disappear."

"Do not be afraid to do something you have not done before. Now is the time to try something new and discover unknown gifts and talents."

The Vice Chancellor was addressing the eighth Session of the 51st Congregation of students who graduated through the UCC’s College of Distance Education on Tuesday.

The graduation saw the conferment of Degrees and Diplomas in Midwifery programmes on 13,838 graduates from 23 nursing and midwifery training Colleges affiliated to UCC.

The graduates comprised 2,917 males and 2,132 females who had Degrees whilst 4,660 males and 4,129 females were presented with Diplomas.

Prof Ghartey Ampiah noted that transforming the lives of people with the skills acquired would be evidence of how relevant their studies had benefited society and cautioned them that society might ignore their existence if they failed to be productive.

They must be agents of change in society, community transformers, applied inventers and national leaders, to solve community and national level challenges.

"Remember to contribute your quota to the advancement of UCC and shine bright like the twinkle star wherever you find yourself..., We are the loveliest, humblest and kindest of them all. Go out there and prove it."

The Vice Chancellor, commended staff and students leadership for their discipline and respect for the rule of law and pledged the University's commitment not to train world class transformational leaders to assist in the development agenda of the country.

In her welcoming address, Mrs Nancy Thompson, Chairman of the University Council, urged them to see their graduation as a wonderful tool that will open many doors of opportunity.

She encouraged them to be courageous and reach for the stars as worthy ambassadors of their Alma mater.