ILGS holds fifth joint matriculation in Accra

The Institute of Local Government Studies (ILGS) on Friday held a matriculation ceremony for 101 students admitted into the master’s programmes for the 2015/2016 academic year.

Out of the number, 30 gained admission to study Environment Science, Policy and Management, 29 for Local Government Administration, whilst 23 would be studying Local Economic Development with the remaining 18 reading Local Government Financial Management.

The students made up of 84 men and 17 women were led by Mr Eric Oduro Osae, Dean of Studies and Research, ILGS, to swear the matriculation oath which binds each student to abide by all rules and regulations, and also be of good behaviour while pursuing their studies in order to promote a positive image of the institute.

Speaking on the theme: “Action Research, a Drive for Local Government Development”, at the fifth Joint Matriculation ceremony in Accra, Professor Mrs Goski Alabi, Dean, School of Graduate Students, University of Professional Studies, said graduate education in Ghana has lost its essence.

Prof Alabi explained that, many universities in Ghana researches at the graduate level are nothing than a partial fulfilment to one’s programme of study.

“Today, university studies are in pursuit of certification and not education and almost all students are looking for degree in various fields just to have promotion in jobs,” she noted.

She therefore charged the newly matriculates to change the trend and prove their worth by making their pursuits to be driven with positives actions.

“You are here to create your own state of the art creations to resolve what is around you, do that with a systematic approach through a project action plan,” she advised.

Prof Alabi challenged the students to ask questions that would help improve not only their lives but the country and the sectors they seek to be in one day.

“There will be no back locks of graduate students if we see the wisdom behind this,” she said.

Dr Abdulai Dramani, Acting Director, ILGS, said the figure of students matriculated for the 2015/2016 academic year represented 25 per cent increase in the enrolment for the last academic year.

He said the objective of the Institute is to organise the training staff and personnel in local government and related sectors, as well as any other interested person or body, local or foreign to enhance the managerial, administrative, financial, and operational efficiency of organs and units of local government.

Dr Abdulai noted that the fifth matriculation of the ILGS had proven useful based on the choices made, with 57 of the students coming from the Tamale Campus and the remaining 44 from the Accra Campus.

According to the Acting Director, the focus of ILGS in the coming years would be placement of emphasis on staff development, improvement of infrastructure and the expansion of programme quality.

“As part of effort at expanding programme with quality, the Institute is working very hard to introduce three more bachelor programmes and a diploma programme,” he said.

He called for a continuous collaborative work among partners and staff of the Institute to work together to uphold, preserve and translate into practice the concept and ideal that informed the establishment of the Institute.

Dr Abdulai advised the students to take advantage of the modern technology available in order to gain the competence and confidence that effective change agents and professionals require.

Alhaji Collin Dauda, Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, urged students to make good use of the golden opportunity offered them by staying focused, working hard to promote and project the success of the Institute.

“Ensure that teaching and learning methods are practical and interactive so that it can be used by you to solve keenly matters of the country,” he advised.

Alhaji Dauda also asked the students to commence their studies with the objective of acquiring the needed skills, knowledge and attitude to solve critical social problems.

He pledge of the Ministry’s support and interest as the institute programmes remains relevant to government.

He however called for collaborative efforts, commitment and dedication between partners, saying the journey is a challenging one and with good partnership they would sail through.