She highlighted the institution’s commitment to inclusivity, stating that while the physical event had representatives from all faculties, the majority of the fresh students participated virtually due to logistical considerations. She revealed that a separate matriculation ceremony would be held for distance education students and those enrolled in the university’s pioneering German Education programme.

Mrs. Wilhelmina Tete-Mensah reminded students of their obligations, including taking the matriculation oath, signing the electronic matricula, and adhering to the university’s statutes and regulations. She urged all students who had not completed their registration to do so immediately, cautioning that falsifying information could result in the revocation of their admission.

Prof. Stephen Jobson Mitchual, Vice-Chancellor of UEW, reiterated the university’s mandate to train professional teachers for all levels of education in Ghana and beyond. He described the matriculation ceremony as a crucial rite of passage that binds students to the institution’s principles of academic excellence, discipline, and service.

Prof. Mitchual disclosed that the university admitted 14,361 undergraduate students, with 13,591 enrolling at the Winneba campus and 770 at the Ajumako campus. In the postgraduate category, 1,818 applications were received, with 1,596 admitted at the Winneba Campus and 222 at the Ajumako Campus. The gender distribution among matriculants stands at 54% male and 46% female.

A key highlight of the Vice-Chancellor’s address was the launch of the Vice-Chancellor’s Community Initiative Programme, designed to extend UEW’s impact beyond academia into surrounding communities.

The initiative focuses on three pillars: the Neighborhood Academic Initiative, which provides academic support to BECE and WASSCE candidates; financial assistance for needy students, particularly in STEM disciplines; and the Community Apprenticeship Initiative, which offers vocational training in areas such as hospitality, carpentry, and construction. The programme’s first beneficiaries—10 students—were awarded financial aid during the ceremony.

Prof. Mitchual encouraged students to fully embrace their academic journey by adhering to the university’s values of discipline, ethical conduct, and excellence. He urged them to work hard, maintain integrity, and contribute positively to their communities.

“With education comes responsibility; as members of the ��ɫ��Ƶfamily, you must use your education for the service of others. The world is watching, and we expect you to be beacons of knowledge and integrity,” he remarked.

The Vice-Chancellor also announced the forthcoming Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship Programme, urging eligible students in need of financial support to apply once applications open.

The event marked the beginning of a transformative academic journey for the new students, who are now officially recognised as members of the ��ɫ��Ƶcommunity. With the university’s commitment to academic excellence and community development, the 2024/2025 batch of matriculants is expected to contribute meaningfully to society through their education and service.