Apostle Professor Kwabena Agyapong-Kodua, Vice-Chancellor of the Pentecost University, has charged newly graduated students of the university to place integrity, humility and service at the centre of their professional and personal lives as they step into the world of work and leadership.
“The world is looking not only for skill but for character,” he said.
“Serve with integrity, lead with humility, innovate with compassion, and uphold the values of Pentecost University: discipline, excellence, godliness and service.”
Prof Agyapong-Kodua gave the charge at the 17th Congregation of the University on Saturday, where 1,412 students across certificate, undergraduate and postgraduate programmes graduated.
Of the total number of graduates from the Sowutuom and Agape (Sunyani) campuses, 64 students earned First Class Honours, while many others recorded strong academic performances across various classifications.
Addressing the congregation, Prof. Agyapong-Kodua said the university’s progress over the past year was guided by the four pillars of Phase II of the University A+ Agenda, spiritual formation, financial sustainability, academic excellence and infrastructure development.
He noted that Pentecost University continued to distinguish itself by combining academic rigour with spiritual depth through structured mentorship, ministerial formation, and strong partnerships with The Church of Pentecost.
The Vice-Chancellor highlighted significant achievements, including full accreditation for eight programmes, among them PhD programmes in Theology and Mission, Leadership and Governance, Engineering, and new degrees in Politics, Philosophy and Economics, Engineering and Education.
He also announced the establishment of PentCare, a childcare and early childhood development centre to support student-parents, staff and the surrounding community.
On academic excellence, Prof. Agyapong-Kodua disclosed that the university recorded a 97 per cent pass rate in the Nursing and Midwifery licensure examinations and an 88 per cent pass rate in the Ghana School of Law entrance exams, alongside securing a European Commission research grant for laser-based solar manufacturing technologies.
Apostle Professor Eric Kwabena Nyamkye, who is the Chancellor of Pentecost University, also charged the graduates to see themselves as ambassadors of transformation, tasked with influencing society at every level.
“You entered this university as students, but today you leave as ambassadors, called to transform cultures, generations and systems,” he said.
He noted that Pentecost University was established not merely as an academic institution, but as a value-driven university with a divine mandate to raise principled leaders for Ghana, Africa and the world.
Apostle Nyamkye urged graduates to uphold truth, pursue excellence and seek significance rather than mere success to drive change in their communities.
Mr Haruna Iddrisu, Minister of Education, commended Pentecost University for combining academic rigour with character formation.
“Institutions rise or fall not merely on competence, but on the strength of character. Ethical leadership is not optional; it is foundational,” the Minister said in a speech read on his behalf by Dr. Emmanuel Newman, Director of Tertiary Education at the Ministry of Education,
He encouraged the graduates to embrace innovation, adaptability and lifelong learning, stressing that qualifications alone were not enough in today’s competitive global environment.
“Your talent will take you far, but your character will determine how long you stay there,” he noted.
GNA
