The Founder of Accra Metropolitan University (AMU), Professor Joshua Alarbi, has urged graduates to complement their academic qualifications with meaningful relationships and strong professional networks to thrive in an increasingly competitive job market.
Speaking at a grand graduation ceremony in Accra, Professor Alarbi, brimming with gratitude and pride, took the audience through the inspiring journey of AMU — from modest beginnings to the achievement of a presidential charter.
The event, which also saw the conferment of honorary doctorate degrees on the Inspector General of Police and a distinguished woman leader, marked a significant milestone in the university’s history.
“Your certificate alone may not be enough to open doors,” he told the graduates. “What often sets you apart is your social capital — the relationships you build, the people you know, and the network you nurture.”
Professor Alarbi encouraged the newly graduated students to remain connected to one another, emphasizing that sometimes success comes not just from qualifications but from who can vouch for you.
“Among you today may be a future business partner, employer, or someone who could one day recommend you for a life-changing opportunity,” he noted. “That connection could start with just a phone call.”
In his address, the respected academic also commended the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) for the progress made under its current leadership.
He specifically thanked the Director-General and his team for their instrumental role in supporting institutions like AMU to gain recognition and legitimacy within the country’s higher education framework.
“We’re seeing significant progress thanks to GTEC’s visionary leadership. Their commitment has enabled institutions like ours to claim our rightful place in Ghana’s academic landscape,” he said.
Professor Alarbi paid glowing tribute to the resilience and determination of the graduating class, noting that their journey had not been an easy one.
“You have endured, persevered, and sacrificed to reach this point. Let discipline, innovation, and a deep sense of civic duty guide your next chapter,” he advised.
The highlight of the ceremony was the conferment of honorary doctorate degrees on two towering Ghanaian personalities — the Inspector General of Police, who hails from Nungua, and a woman leader recognized for her exceptional contributions to national development.
In a warm reflection, Prof. Alarbi acknowledged the significance of the IGP’s recognition, pointing to the symbolic unity displayed by the presence of the King of Nungua and the Bokugurung — two leaders not often seen sharing the same space due to security considerations.
He also extended heartfelt congratulations to the woman honoree, praising her courage and trailblazing achievements in leadership.
“It’s not every day you find a woman thriving in such spaces. When I heard she was running, I was thrilled, even before we met,” he remarked.
Reflecting on AMU’s development, Professor Alarbi described the presidential charter as a major breakthrough that significantly changed the university’s fortunes.
“Before we received our charter, we had to depend on the Open University of Tanzania for degree approvals. That delay cost us over 80% of our potential students,” he explained. “Now, we can act independently and serve our students better.”
He also acknowledged Tanzania’s crucial support in the early days when Ghana lacked its own Open University system. The partnership, he said, offered AMU vital expertise in distance education when it was most needed.
Looking into the future, Prof. Alarbi revealed plans to expand the university’s infrastructure, with ongoing discussions already yielding positive commitments from traditional authorities in Lumua, who have promised several acres of land to support AMU’s growth.
As the ceremony drew to a close, Professor Alarbi expressed hope and confidence in the graduating class and the honorees.
“You carry the legacy of this institution. We believe in your potential to shape a better future — not just for yourselves, but for your communities and for Ghana.”
