Holy Child College of Education in Fijai, Western Region, has marked a momentous milestone with the graduation of 325 newly trained teachers, highlighting not only academic excellence but also a renewed national call for values-based teaching.
At the heart of the 17th graduation and 3rd Bachelor of Education congregation was a powerful message from Professor Dora Edu-Buandoh, the University of Cape Coast’s first female Pro Vice-Chancellor, who urged the new crop of educators to balance their professional competence with strong moral character.
“In teaching, character matters just as much as competence,” she declared. “A teacher without good character, regardless of their qualifications, is not a good teacher. You must be role models and mentors to your students.”
Prof. Edu-Buandoh emphasized that teaching was a calling that demanded not only subject mastery, but also empathy, integrity, and resilience. She praised the Holy Child College for its commitment to nurturing leadership among teachers, positioning them to contribute meaningfully to national development.
The ceremony also spotlighted the College’s impressive academic strides over the past year. Principal of the College, Dr. Francis Hull Adam, shared that the institution recorded a 64% increase in First Class honours this year compared to 2023. Out of 325 graduates, 41 earned First Class distinctions—up from 25 the previous year.
Particularly noteworthy was the dramatic improvement in the Early Childhood Education programme. In 2023, only two students earned First Class honours in that area. This year, the number surged to 14, with the overall best graduating student emerging from the same programme.
Dr. Adam commended the ongoing mentorship provided by the University of Cape Coast, noting its regular monitoring and evaluation as crucial to the College’s sustained growth and quality delivery.
Infrastructure development was also highlighted, with the completion of the Society of the Holy Child Jesus Hall, which now accommodates 250 students. The Principal appealed for support to add an extra floor to the Kathleen Marie Hall to address the growing student population.
Despite the successes, the College continues to face challenges. Dr. Adam pointed to aging vehicles, a poor internal road network, inadequate student hostels, and limited staff accommodation as pressing issues that need urgent attention.
Addressing the graduates, he encouraged them to reflect on their journeys with pride and gratitude. “As you transition into the next phase of your lives, celebrate your accomplishments, honour your supporters, and step confidently into your roles as educators and nation-builders,” he said.
The ceremony served as both a celebration of achievement and a reminder that the future of education in Ghana depends not just on academic prowess, but on teachers who lead with integrity, compassion, and purpose.
