In recounting her academic trajectory, Ms. Jemima Akoni did not shy away from the personal challenges she faced — financial hurdles and the demands of balancing work, academic obligations and religious responsibilities. Yet, she emphasised the inner strength and support systems that sustained her through adversity.

“The strength within us is greater than any storm around us,” she affirmed, crediting her faith, family, mentors and colleagues for their unyielding encouragement. Her gratitude extended to the ��ɫ��Ƶcommunity, particularly the staff of the CODeL Koforidua Centre, whose commitment she described as instrumental in shaping both minds and futures.

Ms. Jemima Akoni’s message, however, transcended personal reflection. With passion and purpose, she issued a clarion call to her fellow graduates to embrace their roles as nation-builders.

“We are not just educators; we are changemakers, innovators, and leaders. Let us create a brighter future for ourselves, our students and our communities,” she remarked.  

In a spirit of collective celebration, she acknowledged key individuals in her life—including family, mentors, and peers such as her study partner, Dorcas Amoabeng Adade, who also graduated with first-class honours.

Ms. Jemima Akoni left her peers with a powerful charge: “Never stop learning, never stop growing and never stop pushing yourself to excel. We are not defined by the ease of our journey but by the strength we show along the way.”

With the motto of CODeL and the name of the university resounding in her final words, Ms. Jemima Akoni's speech was more than a farewell—it was a torch passed forward to the next generation of educators united by shared experience and driven by purpose.

PROFILE OF THE VALEDICTORIAN

Jemima Akoni is one of the five siblings born to Rev. Benson Akoni and Mrs. Hilda Akoni. Her journey is a testament to resilience, perseverance and academic excellence. She began her educational journey at Blessed Home Preparatory School and later attended Nkwatia Presby Senior High School, where she studied business.

Due to financial hurdles, following her graduation from senior high school in 2014, she took up a teaching role at Alpha Hill Schools demonstrating her resilience and adaptability. Her love for imparting knowledge made her enrol to further her studies while working at the Jacksons College of Education, where she pursued a Diploma in Basic Education. Due to her brilliant performance in level 100, she was awarded a scholarship alongside other brilliant students. She graduated with distinction honours in 2019. Her quest to achieve excellence in academia prompted her to enrol at the Koforidua study centre of the College for Distance and e-Learning, ��ɫ��Ƶ, to further her studies while holding onto the teaching role she took up in 2015. She is now set to graduate with a Bachelor of Education with a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.90.

Jemima’s leadership skills are equally remarkable. She is currently the secretary for the Adweso District Youth Ministry of The Assemblies of God Church in the Eastern Region. Her involvement in organising visits to hospitals to assist needy children and other outreach programmes showcases her passion for helping the less privileged in society. She is a staunch advocate of service to humanity and the principle of equal opportunity for all.

Beyond her academic pursuits, Jemima enjoys reading, dancing and watching movies, which is a testament to her curiosity and willingness to explore different perspectives. She aspires to become an Educational Consultant and a Chartered Accountant with plans to pursue postgraduate studies to make these ambitions a reality. Ultimately, she aims to leverage her skills and knowledge to impact the lives of the less privileged and contribute to the development of her society and the country as a whole.