A total of 3,267 new students, made up of 2,052 males and 1,215 females have been admitted into the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) for the 2014/15 academic year. This represents about 65% of the total qualified applicants of 5,026.

This was revealed by the Vice-Chancellor of UPSA, Professor Joshua Alabi at this year’s matriculation ceremony held at the University on Saturday, October 11, 2014.

Prof. Alabi noted that the total number was made up of 435 students at the graduate level, 2,485 at the undergraduate level, 278 Diploma level and 69 professional students. The figure was significantly less than the 4,114 fresh students admitted out of a total of 8,000 qualified candidates who applied for admission in the previous academic year.

He further indicated that the University had seen an increase in its admission figures over the past two years, which was attributable to a significant expansion in academic facilities on campus. “This is because our new Lecture Block Complex (LBC) has been completed and handed over to the University. This means that the University can now admit more students,” Prof. Alabi said.

He also used the opportunity to talk about the various infrastructure expansion projects the University had undertaken to meet the huge demands for improved teaching and learning environment for the students.

Prof. Alabi also disclosed that the University had finished the construction and setting up of an Ebola Isolation Centre as part of several education efforts to help prepare in the event of an outbreak of the viral disease, which had so far killed several thousands of West Africans in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone.

He thanked the government for its continuing support and the donation of Personal Protective Equipment to the University to support its Ebola preparedness efforts.

The students were led through their matriculation oath by Dr. Mohammed Mustapha Siedu, the Registrar after which they signed the matricula, symbolising their formal acceptance and integration into the University community. The new admission brings the total student population to about 14,000.