The University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), has held its Seventh Congregation to award 2,087 students with Diploma, Graduate and Post-Graduate Certificates.

Certificates in Management Studies, Accountancy, Marketing, Banking and Finance, Communications, Information Technology, Law and other related Social Sciences, were awarded to 335 diplomates, 1,366 under-graduates, and 386 post-graduate students.

Dr Kingsley Fletcher, Chancellor of the University, said UPSA had witnessed some major infrastructural developments over the last decade, that haxd enhanced its new learning environment.

He disclosed that in addition to the University’s academic rigour and growing profile, it had established four centres for excellence, aimed at building capacities in leadership, research and governance.

“These are the Centre for Public Accountability, the Drolor Centre for Strategic Leadership, the Otumfuo Centre for Traditional Leadership, and the Centre for Universal Health Coverage, in partnership with the National Health Insurance Authority,” he said

Dr Fletcher disclosed that the projection was to reach 15,000 by 2017, hence the implementation of strategic initiatives to create ultra-modern, well-maintained, user-friendly and world-class educational environment.

He added that the initiatives would also help to leverage information and communications technology, to enhance teaching and learning, access and quality of academic delivery; and compete in a global higher education environment.

Prof Joshua Alabi, Vice Chancellor of the University, said the Congregation was in line with the University’s 50th Anniversary celebrations.

He, therefore, said among the commemorative events marking the year were: a lecture to be delivered by Prof Mrs Goski Alabi, Dean of the School of Graduate Studies; public and alumni lectures; a refurbishment of a ward at the Madina Polyclinic, Kekele, as well as students' forum, fair and health walk, and a carnival to be held in conjunction with the SRC week celebration.

He noted that projects were on-going to serve the needs of the students, such as the construction and completion of a clinic facility, spacious library facility, centres of excellence, and other infrastructural development projects.

Prof Alabi urged the graduates to embrace entrepreneurship and become employers rather than job seekers, who always went about looking for non-existent jobs.

He also advised them to think of their families, communities and nation that invested so much in them and provided them with opportunities to attain the honours.

GNA