In pursuance of its strategic objective to becoming a centre of excellence in communication, business and other related disciplines in Ghana and beyond, the African University College of Communications, AUCC, is working on modalities to increase its faculty programmes next academic year.
The proposed action engineered by the school’s academic board is intended to offer prospective applicants and students career choices, so that they can adequately establish themselves and be able to fit into the competitive global market.
This was made known by the President of the school, Professor Margaret Crabbe at a brief matriculation ceremony held in Adabraka, Accra.
Prof Crabbe made the pronouncement to usher in freshmen and women admitted for the 2018/2019 academic year.
The over 200 matriculants were among applicants that sailed through the admission process to undertake various degree programmes at the Kojo Yankah School of Communication Studies and the Sam E. Jonah School of Business.
Whilst acknowledging the invaluable contribution of past and present lecturers for making the school what it is today, Prof Crabbe again paid glowing tribute to the Former Minister of State and founder of AUCC, Mr Kojo Yankah for the bold initiative.
According to her, AUCC has metamorphosed over the period and was still going through a period of massive transformation with the view to making it a university of choice for both Ghanaians and foreigners.
She observed that the digital revolution and globalisation was causing historic changes in society, however, it was imperative for any higher educational institution to adapt to the change depending on how things are practically done.
Prof Crabbe expressed AUCC’s resolve to actualise its mission of preparing lifelong learners and nurturing them to be innovative problem solvers and ethical leaders especially in the field of communication and related disciplines.
She therefore encouraged the matriculants to be disciplined at all times and strive for active learning experience by taking advantage of the internet. She moreover urged them to think outside the box and persevere in finding solutions to issues that are mind-boggling and critical in nature.
This way, they can discover their capabilities and create new ideas for themselves and the society at large.
Various speakers touched on the need for the students to maintain good manners and work in tandem with the authorities to promote the cause of the institution.
A level 200 continuing student, Seth Dankyi-Boamah who read the acceptance speech disclosed that from a humble beginning, AUCC has carved a niche for itself inspite of its short existence.
He described the school’s motto, ‘Discover Yourself from here’, as not a mere rhetoric, but a living reality due to its academic excellence and proven track record.
He said it was not for nothing that the former Minister of Information, Dr Mustapha Hamid declared the school as the most prestigious private communication school in Ghana. It is also ranked 12 among 66 recognised universities meeting the uniRank selection criteria.
This, he noted, is no mean achievement considering its established centres and institutions offered for continuous learning to students, researchers and the general public.
He thanked the President, Board of Directors, the Academic Board and the Governing Council for the strides made in the advancement of communication in Ghana.
Currently, AUCC, formerly the African Institute of Journalism and Communications, AIJC, now offers Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies and Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
On October 4, 2018, the institution launched its School of Creative Arts to start certificate courses as it prepares towards running degree programmes in the years to come. This certificate courses is set to provide immediate employable skills to students whilst pursuing their degree programmes.
On October 31, 2018, the school also launched its maiden graduate programmes (Master of Arts) in Journalism and admitted its first batch of graduate students to the School of Graduate Studies and Research. The long awaited graduate programmes will provide opportunities for its numerous alumnus to start post graduate studies.
Since its inception in 2002, AUCC had churned out 5,000 students who are playing important roles in organisations both in academia, and the media among other related disciplines.
Story by GBC’s Isaac Asare
