UHAS Council Chairman Prof. Kodzo Gavua urges graduates to serve with passion, integrity, and innovation – Nsemkeka
The Council Chairman of the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS), Prof. Kodzo Gavua, has delivered a stirring call to action to the university’s newest graduates, urging them to enter the workforce with integrity, confidence, and an unrelenting commitment to excellence in healthcare delivery.
Addressing the second session of the 9th Congregation Ceremony of UHAS, Prof. Gavua congratulated the 957 graduates, mainly sandwich and postgraduate students, who form part of the total 2,476 graduates of the 2023/2024 academic year. He reminded them that their journey to this point was not by chance but by choice, driven by dedication, resilience, and a deep desire to serve humanity.
“You dared to start even when it meant returning to textbooks and lecture slides after long days of work or caring for loved ones. You pushed forward not because it was easy, but because it mattered,” he emphasized.
He described the health and allied professions as vocations of service, trust, and impact, stating that the graduates’ skills will play a vital role in advancing Ghana’s health systems amidst global disruptions. He noted that beyond technical competence, it is empathy, maturity, and the ability to connect with people that will define their success in their respective fields.
Prof. Gavua reaffirmed UHAS’ mission to remain a hub for lifelong learning, especially for nurses, midwives, public health practitioners, and others seeking to upgrade their skills for better conditions of service. He emphasized the need to continuously improve the student experience and called on university management to pay special attention to the needs of excluded groups such as nursing mothers and pregnant students.
He proudly stated that UHAS has, since its first graduation on July 23, 2016, produced over 11,000 health professionals who are delivering quality healthcare across the country.
On infrastructural developments, Prof. Gavua updated the audience on key ongoing projects. He announced that Phase One of the Sokode Teaching Road Project and 5.3 kilometers of internal roads are significantly delayed, making access to campus difficult.
However, he expressed confidence in the government’s commitment to releasing funds to the executing agencies the Ghana Highways Authority and Ministry of Roads and Highways to complete the project.
He also highlighted the successful completion and use of the China-Aid Phase Two Project, which includes the School of Nursing and Midwifery and central administration blocks. He expressed appreciation to the Chinese Government for its grant and to the Government of Ghana for its counterpart support.
Prof. Gavua called on both government and the business community to urgently support student accommodation efforts, given the rising student population and the pressing demand for hostel facilities.
To the graduating class, Prof. Gavua declared,
“Let your knowledge heal, your voice advocate, and your presence inspire. Despite the frustrations and challenges that may come your way, be passionate about your profession and remain open to learning and growth.”
He reminded the graduates that their communities are diverse and complex, but they now possess the perspective, purpose, and qualification to not only treat illness but champion wellness, equity, and positive change.
Urging them to forge relationships with people of integrity, he cautioned against pride and complacency, emphasizing humility and continuous learning as key to professional excellence.
Prof. Gavua concluded his address by officially declaring the congregation duly assembled in his capacity as Chairman of the UHAS Council.
“Go confidently into the world. Be worthy ambassadors of UHAS and always remember you have already overcome many challenges. Let that be your proof that you can overcome even more.”
