Professor Domwini D. Kuupole, Vice Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast (UCC) has challenged university graduates to think outside the box and form partnership with other colleague graduates to create jobs for themselves and others.

He said in the global economic, social and political turbulent environment, only creative, skillful and innovative graduates who are able to move beyond the conventional methods of doing things could survive.

Prof. Kuupole gave the advice at the fourth session of the 48th congregation of UCC held on Saturday, to graduate 3,434 students who completed various programmes of study with the University for the 2014/15 academic year.

A total of 180 students graduated with First Class Degrees, 1,352 Second Class Upper Division and 1,195 Second Class Lower Division, while 572 and 131 students respectively obtained Third Class and Passes.

He noted that there may be challenges which could deter fresh graduates from the University to set up businesses but believed those challenges could be transformed into opportunities with ideas and resources from a group.

Prof. Kuupole revealed that students from the Animal Science Department of the UCC have embarked on the production of poultry and pig feeds from the residue of palm kernel to improve on the livelihood of palm kernel oil producers.

He said the University had embarked on a number of income generation activities, which included the production of detergents and sachet water to generate supplementary finances to support the University’s programmes due to the dwindling Government subvention.

Prof. Kuupole noticed that there were some lapses in the area of teaching and learning due to the current ban on recruitment which restricted the University to employ adequate and efficient teaching staff to research and conduct extension services to enhance academic performance.

He therefore appealed to the Government to consider lifting the ban so that the University could replace staff who have left to enable the University perform its duties as required.

He announced that the University has instituted an annual award scheme to award outstanding researchers whose work had elements of innovation and invention in the University, starting from December this year.

Nana Brew Butler, Chairman of the UCC Council, advised the students not to be content with the degrees and diplomas awarded them, but rather strive to climb higher on the academic ladder.

In his valedictory address, the overall best graduating student, Mr. Jonah Kwame Xeflide admonished his colleagues to exhibit high sense of excellence and quality in all their endeavors to effect positive change in their respective communities.