The Saint Vincent College of Education at Yendi, held its fourth graduation ceremony on 12th October, 2024, celebrating the achievements of 119 graduating students.
The ceremony, themed “The Role of the Teacher in a Disadvantaged Rural School: The St. Vincent, Yendi Model,” focused on the important role of educators in ‘underserved communities’.
The event was attended by a distinguished group of guests, including Most Rev. Vincent Sorwah Boi-Nai SVD, the outgoing principal Dr. Erasmus K. Norveiwu Mortty, the incoming acting principal Mr. David Usirib Ngbiche, and Hon. Alhaji Farouk Umar Mahama.
SEE ALSO: How to Check College of Education Admission Status Online
Appeal for Facilities
Dr Erasmus Kormla Norviewu-Mortty, Principal of the college, addressed the graduating students, highlighting the institution’s growth and challenges.
He noted that although formally inaugurated on April 2nd, 2016, the college’s journey began on January 1st, 2015, coinciding with the birth of its founder, Bishop Vincent Somah Boi – Nai SVD
“The college currently boasts a student body of 796, with an even gender split of 404 males and 392 females.”
Dr Kormla expressed concern over the college’s limited infrastructure.
He mentioned that lecture rooms had been repurposed as offices, laboratories, and computer labs, while the single staff bungalow, constructed with Internally Generated Funds (IGF), has also been converted into offices and a counselling center.
SEE ALSO: Wesley College of Education Holds 15th Graduation Ceremony With 140 First-Class
He also addressed the stalled GETFUND and Ministry of Education projects, citing contractor issues and payment delays.
He emphasized the college’s reliance on its IGF projects for infrastructural improvements, highlighting the near completion of the boys’ hostel and new lecture pavilion.
Dr Kormla expressed gratitude to the college’s Catholic Mission Australian partners for their generous donations, which have funded significant projects including the completed staff bungalow, 10 round mud houses with thatch, the assembly hall, the storey-lecture block, the administrative block (previously a lecture block), and a girls’ hostel.
MP Emphasizes Rural Service & Supports
Speaking at the event, Alhaji Farouk Aliu Mahama, the Member of Parliament for the Yendi constituency, expressed confidence in the preparedness of the graduands to serve in underprivileged rural schools.
He expressed hope that some of the graduates would be deployed to locations such as Zabzugu, Tatale, Saboba, and Savelugu to gain valuable experience in their chosen profession.
Alhaji Farouk Aliu Mahama further reassured the college management that the recently rehabilitated road would soon be tarred.
Additionally, he extended his support by offering to donate 15 street bulbs to the college and presenting a sum of GHC 5,000.00 to the graduands to assist them as they embark on their professional journey.
SEE ALSO: Komenda College of Education Graduates 429 Students with Impressive Graduation Statistics
While a significant number of students achieved academic success, with 30 earning 2nd Class Upper Honours, 70 achieving 2nd Class Lower Honours, and 19 graduating with 3rd Class Honours, a notable absence was the lack of any First Class Honours.
Overall Best Graduate (valedictorian)
Ms. Nimako Oforiwaah Benedicta was recognized as the overall best graduate, receiving a Second Class Upper certificate in French.
She was awarded a GHC 3,000.00 scholarship donated by the college and individuals.
Best Graduates
The accolade for the best graduate was awarded to Ms. Agyei Raymond, who excelled with Second Class Upper Division in Primary Education, as well as to Ms. Muniru Sakinatu, who achieved Second Class Upper in Early Grade Education.
SEE ALSO: Meet Moses Coleman: Valedictorian and Best Graduating Student of Komenda College of Education
While the absence of First Class Honours may raise questions, the graduation ceremony served as a powerful reminder of the dedication and commitment of the students and the vital role of teachers in shaping the future of rural communities.
Saint Vincent College of Education is affiliated to the University for Development Studies (UDS).