Valley View University held its 40^th Anniversary and second session of the 25^th Graduation Ceremony for 729 students of which 489 were Male and 240 Female. The event took place at the Seth Laryea Multi-Purpose Centre on Saturday, 1^st December, 2019.

Prof. Daniel Kwame Bediako, Vice Chancellor of the university in his speech talked about the core values of the university that foster a balanced development of the whole person, preparing the learner for a useful and joy-filled life and in the fear of God.  

He stated that the University turned 40 in 2019, a milestone the institution has celebrated throughout the year. The grand celebration of the 40^th Anniversary took place during the weekend of the main Congregation on July 4-7. At the said event were Dr. Walton Whaley, the first President of VVU, and the Vice President of the Republic of Ghana, as the Guest of Honor. The VC indicated that the University started with less than 20 students; in 2019, the University can now count more than 9,500 students. Along her 40-year journey, this institution has been known for several firsts in the country, including first private tertiary institution to be accredited in 1997, so first to be granted presidential charter in 2006, and first, probably in Africa, to develop an ecological concept (eco-Master Plan, biogas, waste water treatment, rain water harvesting, nutrient application, etc.).  Prof. Bediako celebrated the past leaders and workers for their dedication and selfless service. He then commended the Seventh-day Adventist Church for establishing and supporting this institution and God for His grace and mercy, and for granting us peace in this country. The VC disclosed that the University holds two sessions of congregation within an academic year. The main session in July and supplementary in December. He stated that, by the grace of God and hard work,729 students graduated this December, 2019. This brings the total of the academic year to 2,769.  

The Vice Chancellor congratulated each of the students and their family on their achievement and quoted a Jewish proverb that says “If you see what needs to be repaired and how to repair it, then you have found a piece of the world that God has left for you to complete. But if you only see what is wrong and how ugly it is, then it is you yourself that needs repair.” He said he’s very confident that the graduands are now ready to help fix Africa considering the holistic education given to them.

 The main speaker at this year’s second session graduation event was Mr. Derek B. Laryea, an alumnus and Head, Research and Communications, Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications, shared his journey through Valley View University and how the school has impacted his life. He indicated that the Christian principles and lifestyle, which form the basis of the University’s operations, were the critical underlying codes which have formed the bedrock differentiating between Valley View University and others. He emphasized on how his mom had contributed immensely to his education despite the fact that she was unemployed. He appreciated parents and emphasized that investing into education is risk free. I quote “So to parents, sponsors and guardians, God bless you for this graduating class. Let it be said beyond this speech, that investing in education is a very risk free and rewarding venture”. Mr. Laryea congratulated the Vice Chancellor, Pr. Prof. Daniel Kwame Bediako and his team for their personal sacrifices, including substantial resources, they committed to sow into the Graduates.  He then congratulated students for having gone through endless assignments and mind- twisting quantitative methods, quizzes, literature around Jesus and the Disciples, among other activities, for four (4) years. “Congratulations! You made it!” He said and I quote.

During the graduation ceremony, Degrees were awarded to 582 students from 5 countries, consisting of 390 Males and 192 Females from VVU Oyibi main Campus and its extension Campuses respectively. Graduates received Degrees in Business Administration, Information Technology, Education, Development Studies, Theological Studies, Management, Banking and Finance, Marketing, Accounting, etc. The graduation commencement was performed by Mr. Abraham Gyamfi Ababio, Class Sponsor, 2019.  During the ceremony, individual students were also recognized for their outstanding overall academic performances in their individual study programmes.  The dissolution of the graduation assembly was done by Pr. (Dr.) Thomas Techie Ocran, President, Southern Ghana Union Conference & Vice Chair, VVU Council.

Below is the Statistics of award of the various Degrees:

The ceremony presented 729 graduands, bringing the total number of graduands for the academic year to 2,769. Out of the 729, 582 graduated with undergraduate degrees: 8.4% graduated with First Class Honors, 31.9% (2^nd Upper), 58.2% (2^nd Lower), and 3% (Third). Among the undergraduates, 14 made it to the Vice Chancellor’s list, and 9 of these are Nursing graduands. Marabel Insaidoo topped the class with a CGPA of 3.92, followed closely by Grace Elizabeth Olufunmilola Akinkunmi with a CGPA of 3.91. “I am sure these will be the best nurses wherever they go”. I quote.

The Vice Chancellor further disclosed that, Twenty-eight (28) graduands were awarded Post-graduate diplomas, and Richard Gyasi was leading that class with a CGPA of 3.92. The School of Graduate Studies

also presented one hundred and nineteen (119) candidates the award of Masters degrees. Rosina Tawiah graduated with a CGPA of 3.90 in that class. 

Over 2000 distinguished guests, family and friends attended the ceremony to share in the success of the graduates. The management and staff of Valley View University wished all graduates success in their future careers or studies, and proudly congratulated them on their academic achievements.