The President of the African University College of Communications (AUCC), Professor Abeku Blankson, has disclosed the institution has completed all processes required to obtain a Presidential Charter under the Tertiary Education Act 2020 (Act 1023), which mandates private tertiary institutions to attain Charter status by 2024.

He said the final step is an invitation from President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to confer the Charter Certificate.

Prof Blankson disclosed this at the 21st Congregation ceremony of AUCC on Saturday, November 23, 2024, when 462 students graduated amidst celebrations of academic milestones.

This year’s event, “Leadership and Integrity in Nation Building,” underscored AUCC’s dedication to excellence in education and its growing role in shaping the future of higher learning in Ghana and beyond.

Prof Abeku Blankson stressed that this year’s graduation ceremony is special to the school because it has successfully gone through all the Presidential Charter application and assessment processes mandated by the government.

“This new status will elevate AUCC’s national and international reputation,” he said.

Out of the 462 students who graduated, 328 earned undergraduate degrees, while 134 were awarded postgraduate degrees. Notable programs included a BA in Communication Studies, a BSc in Business Administration, and an MA in Communication, with a significant number also completing specialized MBA programs.

He stated, “Today, we celebrate your academic achievements and the transformative education you’ve received at AUCC. You leave here as ambassadors of integrity, innovation, and excellence.”

The university college, he said, continues to position itself as a leader in Africa-centered research and practical education.

This year, the university hosted the 2nd AUCC-HAEC/HBCU Research Conference, attracting nearly 200 participants from 13 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and the Higher African Education Consortium (HAEC).

“Our emphasis is on solution-based projects that address real-world challenges, bridging the gap between academia, industry, and society,” the President noted.

The Baobab Lifetime Achievement Award, introduced to honour icons in the creative arts, was presented this year to Obuoba J.A. Adofo, the legendary leader of the City Boys Band.

According to Prof Abeku Blankson, honouring these legends inspires AUCC to preserve Ghana’s rich cultural heritage adding, “We hope the event will encourage young creatives to reach for greatness.”

He disclosed that in response to the evolving needs of society and industry, AUCC has introduced several contemporary programs awaiting accreditation, such as the MBA in Marketing, MA in African and Diasporan Studies, and MSc in Digital Communication & Data Analytics.

According to him, by 2025, new online graduate and undergraduate programs will also be rolled out.

AUCC continues to strengthen academic collaborations locally and internationally, including partnerships with HBCUs in the United States and the University of Lagos, Nigeria.

On infrastructure, Prof Blankson announced the construction of a three-story student hostel in partnership with Linday Holdings, set for completion in 2025.

This project, he said, will significantly enhance student life on campus.

Addressing the graduating class, the President offered words of encouragement and responsibility saying, “Leave here with excellence, diligence, and integrity. Give back to your communities, your university, and your nation. The education you’ve received here is a tool to build a better world.”

AUCC’s strides toward attaining Charter status and fostering innovation signal its unwavering commitment to academic excellence and nation-building.