Prof. Otoo Ellis Urges Graduates to Use Education to Transform Society
Pentecost University council chairman says universities must produce ethical leaders and innovators capable of addressing global challenges.
- Prof. Otoo Ellis called for education that transforms society.
- Pentecost University graduated 1,602 students.
- Graduates were urged to become ethical leaders and innovators.
The Chairman of the Governing Council of Pentecost University, Professor William Otoo Ellis, has urged graduates to use their education as a tool for solving societal challenges and driving transformation across the world.
Speaking on behalf of the Chancellor, Apostle Dr Eric Nyamekye, during the university’s 17th Congregation ceremony, Prof. Ellis emphasised that education should not be limited to academic achievement alone but should also inspire positive social change.
“True education must go beyond the transfer of knowledge to the transformation of lives and societies,” he stated.
According to him, countries around the world are currently grappling with issues such as unemployment, rapid technological advancement, declining moral values and complex ethical concerns. He noted that these realities demand a new approach to higher education and leadership development.
Prof. Ellis said universities must focus on producing graduates who are not only professionally competent but also ethical, compassionate and innovative leaders capable of contributing meaningfully to society.
He encouraged students to move beyond personal ambitions and become agents of change who can help transform Ghana, Africa and the wider global community.
Highlighting the vision of Pentecost University, Prof. Ellis explained that the institution was established to provide holistic education that combines academic excellence with character formation, spiritual growth, leadership development and service to humanity.
“Our commitment remains the same — to raise graduates who are academically competent, spiritually grounded, ethically disciplined and globally relevant,” he added.
A total of 1,602 students graduated during the 2024/2025 academic year. The ceremony also marked the final graduation for students under the university’s trimester academic system.
The graduates came from various faculties, including Business Administration, Health and Allied Sciences, Engineering Science and Computing, Foundation and Professional Studies, as well as the Pentecost School of Theology and Mission.
Prof. Ellis further stressed the urgent need for disciplined and principled leaders across Ghana and the African continent. He urged graduates to reject mediocrity, pursue excellence and become builders of strong institutions and creators of opportunities.
Vice-Chancellor Apostle Prof. Kwabena Agyapong Kodua also highlighted achievements under the institution’s “University A+ Agenda,” which promotes academic excellence, character development and spiritual growth.
He revealed that the university had organised mentorship programmes, fasting and prayer sessions, community outreach activities and staff devotions to strengthen its spiritual and academic environment.
The Vice-Chancellor also disclosed that the university had signed partnerships with the Ghana Prisons Service for training programmes and with the Directorate General of Maritime Affairs of Côte d’Ivoire for academic collaboration.
Meanwhile, valedictorian Christiana Nkrumah expressed gratitude to God, lecturers, family and friends for supporting students throughout their academic journey. She praised the university for shaping students academically, morally and spiritually despite the challenges encountered along the way.
