The University of Ghana, Legon, is to roll out a new structure for PhD programmes for the 2012/ 2013 academic year, Professor Ernest Aryeetey, Vice Chancellor of the university disclosed at the weekend.

He said key changes to the existing programme include the admission of first degree holders into the MPhil/ PhD programmes, introduction of comprehensive examinations before research work begins and the roll out of compulsory course work and formal defense of research proposals.

Prof Aryeetey made the disclosure at the second 2012 graduation ceremony held for students in Accra, from the Faculties of Arts, Social Sciences and the School of Graduate Studies who have successfully completed their programmes during the 2010/2011 academic year.

He expressed optimism that the changes would make “our doctoral students more analytical ensure that they are familiar with current and relevant literature in their fields, and also ensure that our doctoral programmes conform to best practice.”

On the university’s popularity and usage of its websites, Prof Aryeetey said the institution placed 16th on the chart of the “Top 100 Universities and Colleges in Africa” on a recent 4ICU web rankings for 2012.

He said the University Council had approved a new name for the Faculty of Social Studies and is now known as the Faculty of Social Sciences to enable the faculty align itself with other universities around the world.

Prof Aryeetey added that the name of the Department of Oceanography and Fisheries had been changed to Department of Marine and Fisheries Sciences.

“The Designation marine sciences provides a wider coverage to include more applied aspects of the subject and will also reflect the significant changes which have been made recently in postgraduate and undergraduate programmes in the Department,” he said.

Prof Aryeetey said management had invited expressions of interest for a number of business opportunities which include the development of a commercial centre to cater for the needs of the university community and surrounding neighbours, completion of the sports complex, development of a modern hospital complex and modern public transport system for staff and students and provision of dining facilities for students at the various halls of residence.

Other initiatives opened for private sector partnership include tolling of university roads and car parks and the development of a medical diagnostic centre.

The graduation ceremony was the last to be held in the month of March, because the university authorities had decided to hold smaller graduation ceremonies in July and November with a view to making students graduate in the same calendar year that they completed their studies.

It saw 3810 students graduating at various levels with some of their families and friends gracing the occasion with their attendance.

Many of the family members and acquaintances were spotted in groups sharing moments of memorable photographs, hugs and warm embraces whiles others had gathered around round-tabled picnics heartily chatting away the warm and sunny day with fizzy drinks and small chop.

The Vice-Chancellor’s Award for the Best Graduating Student Admitted Under the University of Ghana Admissions Policy for Less-Endowed Schools went to Madame Sarah Agyeniway and Mr Kwame Abukari.

Among the graduates was Ghana News Agency’s Senior Reporter Ms Zenaibu Adum-Atta, also known as “Mama Zee.”