General News of Saturday, 20 September 2008

Source: GNA

University of Cape Coast holds matriculation

Cape Coast, Sept. 20, GNA - Out-going Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast (UCC), Reverend Professor Adow Obeng on Saturday cautioned the youth not to allow themselves to be used in any electioneering violence.

At a matriculation ceremony at the University Campus where 4,066 fresh students, including 314 post graduates were admitted, Prof. Obeng condemned reported incidents of violence and misbehaviour that characterized this year's pre-election campaign. He urged the students to embrace diversity which goes beyond ethnic, cultural, religious, socio-economic, gender and party political differences.

"Intellectual maturity demands that we should accept intellectual challenge without regarding it as a personal affront," he stressed. The Vice-Chancellor asked the students not to live in isolation but socialize and make friends wisely while they make use of their freedom on campus responsibly.

"Though the university offers you many opportunities, I advice you to be cautious in whatever you do".

He said this year, 13,000 qualified students applied for admissions into undergraduate programmes but the University could only admit 3,908, adding that the number of females admitted went up by one percent above that of last year's.

The Vice-Chancellor, who has only eleven days to end his term of office, has been nicknamed "Osiadan" in reference to the numerous projects, including a large lecture theatre, an examination centre, the School of Medical Science blocks, and several on-ongoing projects he undertook during his eight year stay in office. 20 Sept. 08