UCC Graduates Students from Health Training Institutions
The University of Cape Coast (UCC) Graduates Students from Health Training Institutions
The University has conferred diploma on 1, 555 students who pursued their studies in 23 Health Training Institutions across the country at the 7th Session of the 51st Congregation.
The graduates included pioneer students who enrolled on the UCC Diploma in Midwifery. As part of the ceremony, 18 graduates from the School of Anaesthesia, Ridge and 78 graduates from the Public Health Nursing School at Korle-Bu were also conferred with Bachelors Degrees.
In his address, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Joseph Ghartey Ampiah, said UCC had played a significant role in putting smiles on the faces of the pioneer graduates of the Diploma in Midwifery programme. He noted that this category of midwives had been relegated to the background in the profession in terms of academic progression. “There is no doubt that the conferment of Diploma in Midwifery on the pioneer graduates will motivate them to give off their best to strengthen Ghana’s Health System, especially in the area of maternal and Child Health” he noted.
UCC to Introduce 2020/2021 Bachelor of Science in Midwifery
Prof. Ampiah announced that from the 2020/2021 academic year, the School of Nursing and Midwifery would begin its Bachelor of Science in Midwifery programme. He, therefore, encouraged the graduating students to take advantage of the programme to upgrade themselves to improve their professional competence and also remain more relevant in the Midwifery profession.
Background of Diploma in Midwifery Programme
Giving a background to the Diploma in Midwifery programme, the Vice-Chancellor explained that the programme emerged out of the Ministry of Health and the Nursing and Midwifery Council (N&MC) quest to upgrade students pursuing the Post NAC/NAP programme to the status of Diploma Holders after graduation. He indicated that the University accepted the request and the programme was officially launched in Accra in 2018.
The Vice-Chancellor said UCC has been engaging stakeholders in the developing of the Curriculum and planning various activities for the programme and further indicated that he was privileged to chair one of such meetings to consider the report on the final results of the pioneer graduands.
UCC’s Approach to Affiliation
On UCC’s approach to institutional affiliation, the Vice-Chancellor said the relationship between the University and its affiliate institutions has always been mutually beneficial to all partners. “We don’t believe in a confrontational approach to mentorship but establishing healthy professional relationships with our affiliate institutions leading to quality academic development and training of highly competent human resource for the nation” he stressed.
The Vice-Chancellor said the Ministry of Health can attest to the quality of service UCC is offering to Post Basic Health Training Institutions leading to the award of B.Sc. Degrees in specialised fields in the areas of Anaesthesia Ophthalmic Nursing, Public Health, Peri-Operative and Critical Care Nursing. “The decision by the Ministry of Health to affiliate 36 Midwifery Institutions did not come as a surprise to us, considering the positive impact our services to the Post Basic institutions” he indicated.
UCC Making Strides in the Health Sector
According to the Vice-Chancellor, the University was making great strides by training highly competent human resource in all facets of the health sector. “Mention can be made of our highly cherished medical doctors, optometrists, laboratory technicians, biomedical scientists, health administrators, nurses in addition to our new midwives who are graduating today” he stated.
In addition, the Vice-Chancellor indicated that the College of Health and Allied Sciences offered innovative health programmes at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. These include Medicine, Physician Assistant Studies, Nutrition and Dietetics, Medical Laboratory, Biomedical Sciences, Sports and Exercise Science and Medical Imaging and Sonography and Health Information System.
Advice to Graduates
The Vice-Chancellor advised the graduates to be exceptional in the discharge of their duties to the satisfaction of their clients. “Always remember that a patient is the most important visitor on your premises. He/she is not an interruption in your work. He is the purpose of it,” he advised them.
Award Winners
Ms. Comfort Manu from the Presbyterian Nursing and Midwifery Training College, Dormaa with Cumulative Grade Point Average (GCPA) of 3.900 was the best graduating student for the Diploma in Midwifery programme. Oforiwaa Margaret emerged as the best student for B.Sc. Public Health Nursing, whiles Samuel Osei-Mireku Jnr. topped the graduating class for B.Sc. in Anaesthesia. They received cash prizes and a set of books.
