The Islamic University College Ghana (IUCG) has held a joint celebration of graduation and matriculation ceremony on Saturday, April 28 at the Graduation Ground of the University College.

A total of 295 students comprising 167 males, representing 56.6 percent and 128 females, representing 43.4 were, upon successful completion of their courses of study, conferred with degrees in their respective disciplines, including Accounting, Banking and Finance, Marketing and Human Resource Management. The remaining disciplines are Religious Studies, Journalism, Public Relations and Advertising.

Moreover, 75 students admitted in the February 2018 admissions season were officially recognized as bonafide members of the University College.

Speaking on the theme, The Tertiary Education Landscape: Opportunities and Challenges for the Ghanaian Muslim Community, Dr. Mohsen Maarefi, President of the University College underscored the importance of education asserting: “today, the importance of higher education cannot be overemphasized” adding, “Almost all Social Scientists have agreed that “human capital” can move the development of engine of any nation much faster than “physical capital.”

Dr. Maarefi identified two ways through which tertiary education can play a vital role in the development of nation. According to him, through tertiary education productivity and efficiency can be increase, while research and development can be improved.

“By increasing productivity and efficiency, we can benefit more from our scares resources and, by improving Research and Development, we can ensure that resources are deployed in the best direction of development in accordance with the condition of the country” he explained.

He, therefore, urged the matriculating students to take seriously all that they are going to be taught in the next four years while calling on the graduates to put into best use the knowledge they have acquired during their study at Islamic University.

“I wish to congratulate you on your admission and to encourage you to keep up the hard work that got you admitted to the Islamic University.

“And to you our dear graduates, be good ambassadors of the IUCG, put into practice the good morals and education that you have acquired at IUCG, and endeavor to render your services to the communities that needed them the most,” he appealed.

The Vice President in charge of Academic Affairs at the University College, Dr. Gamel Nasser Adam, on his part, spoke on the state of affairs of the IUCG and assured the matriculating students of the University’s readiness to provide the needed opportunity and support to enable them undertake their studies effectively.

He added that, the University is currently working on accreditation process to commence “two Masters programmes, namely MA in Comparative Law (Islamic Jurisprudence and Secular Law) and MA in Islamic Banking and Finance.”

H. E. Dr. Nosratollah Maleki, ambassador of the Islamic Repubic of Iran to Ghana touched on some gains of bilateral relations between Ghana and I. R. of Iran.

Dignitaries present at the 14th Graduation and 19th Matriculation Ceremony included members of the academia, Members of Parliament, Diplomatic Corps, Islamic scholars, chiefs and parents and guardians.

Students who have distinguished themselves academically were presented with special awards. They were Siisu Oldman Mohamme, Best Taxation Student; Ruhaina Issah, Best Business Administration Student; Sama-Madjaladjo Aziz Mohammed, Best Religious Studies Student. Madam Millicent Gyimah Boateng won the Overall Best Student awards.