The Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Wisconsin International University College Ghana, Mr Jacob Fynn has urged students to stay away from drug/substance abuse and focus on why they went to school.
He observed that substance abuse amongst the youth, especially tertiary students was on the rise, therefore the advice.
He gave the advice at the Matriculation Ceremony of the Wisconsin International University College Ghana in Accra.
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A total of 1941 students, comprising 418 males and 1523 Females matriculated at the Accra Campus while
550 students in total, including 124 males and 426 females matriculated at the Kumasi Campus of the Wisconsin International University College Ghana concurrently.
The Vice President, Dr. Lawrence Kanae spoke on behalf of the President, Prof. Obeng Mireku noted that at a time when many private universities face challenges, Wisconsin continues to grow.
“We recently commissioned a state-of-the-art Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics Laboratory, the only one of its kind in our sub region which is licensed by Ghana’s Cybersecurity Authority and globally acclaimed EC-Council. This facility will not only support our new MSc programs in Cybersecurity, IT, and Business Computing but also offer commercial service to aid in the fight against cyber related crimes,” he stated.
He continued that,”We have also recently introduced MSc Nursing, MSc Midwifery, and MPhil Midwifery, strengthening our commitment to top-tier education.Our facilities include a well-stocked library, a radio broadcasting studio, a nursing skills laboratory, advanced IT and AI labs, a law moot court, and a fully equipped music school with a state-of-the-art recording studio where students can practice new skills and ease stress through music.”
He encouraged the students to take advantage of the resources available to enrich their university experience.
“These resources, combined with our dedicated faculty, ensure a conducive environment for academic excellence,”he said.
Beyond academics, Dr Lawrence Kanae encouraged the students to actively participate in extracurricular activities such as sports, student clubs, and leadership programmes.
“These activities foster personal growth, teamwork, and resilience, essential qualities for success in both your academic and professional life. The university provides numerous platforms to nurture your talents and interests, ensuring a well-rounded educational experience,” he stated.
Again, he said,”Matriculants, success requires hard work, discipline, and perseverance. Embrace every challenge as an opportunity for growth. Uphold our core values of Integrity, Transparency, Accountability, Honesty, Teamwork, and Excellence. These principles will shape not only your time here but also your future.”
Dr. Lawrence Kanae continued,”As you embark on this journey, remember: your education is an investment in your future. Stay committed, work diligently, and believe in yourself. We are here to support you every step of the way.”
For his part, Mr Jacob Fynn advised the students to focus on their studies and stay away from drugs.
“Students are supposed to ensure that they focus on the reason why they are in School. Being in school is for one purpose, to be able to study, to be able to excel in whatever area that you find yourself in. One of the key things that is bothering our society right now is the use of drugs and we are really very particular about those things because drugs is something that is easily adapted to by students because of excitement and fun, and making merry,” he said.
Mr Jacob Fynn continued that,”The reason we have a Narcotics Unit here is to be able to advise them to abstain and we want to ensure that this advice starts at the very beginning. Drug usage, relationship are areas we focus on when it comes to coming into this school.”
Meanwhile, 16 year-old Benedict Kofitse who has been enrolled to study law said he defied all odds to be in the university at his age.
According to him, when he was in Junior High School, he learnt very hard to write the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) with his seniors after which he went to senior high school.
Again, he repeated the same in Senior High School and he excelled in the WASCE and he has also gained admission to study law at the University.
He encouraged all students to take their studies seriously to be able to reach their where they aspire to be.
Ghana l Atinkaonline.com l Porcia Oforiwaa ofori
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