AUCC on track to receive Presidential Charter

The President of the African University College of Communications (AUCC), Professor Abeku Blankson, has announced that the institution has successfully completed all the necessary steps to obtain a Presidential Charter under the Tertiary Education Act of 2020 (Act 1023). This legislation mandates that private tertiary institutions in Ghana achieve Charter status by 2024.

Professor Blankson revealed that the final step in the process is an official invitation from President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to formally confer the Charter Certificate.

He made this announcement during the 21st Congregation of AUCC on Saturday, November 23, 2024, where 462 students graduated in a ceremony marked by celebrations of academic achievement.

This year’s graduation theme, “Leadership and Integrity in Nation Building,” highlighted AUCC’s ongoing commitment to educational excellence and its growing influence in shaping the future of higher education in Ghana and beyond.

Professor Blankson emphasized that the graduation was especially significant as the institution had successfully completed all government-required steps to achieve Presidential Charter status. “This new status will elevate AUCC’s national and international reputation,” he said.

Among the 462 graduates, 328 earned undergraduate degrees, while 134 received postgraduate qualifications. Programs included a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies, a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, and a Master of Arts in Communication, with several students completing specialized MBA programs.

Addressing the graduates, Professor Blankson said, “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.”

He added that AUCC 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, which attracted nearly 200 participants from 13 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and the Higher African Education Consortium (HAEC).

“Our focus remains on solution-oriented research that addresses real-world challenges, bridging the gap between academia, industry, and society,” Professor Blankson noted.

During the ceremony, the Baobab Lifetime Achievement Award, introduced to recognize icons in the creative arts, was presented to Obuoba J.A. Adofo, the legendary leader of the City Boys Band. Professor Blankson emphasized that honoring such cultural icons inspires AUCC to preserve Ghana’s rich heritage. “We hope this recognition will encourage young creatives to strive for greatness,” he said.

In response to the evolving demands of society and industry, AUCC is introducing several new programs awaiting accreditation, including an MBA in Marketing, an MA in African and Diasporan Studies, and an MSc in Digital Communication & Data Analytics. Professor Blankson also revealed that by 2025, the university will roll out new online graduate and undergraduate programs.

AUCC continues to expand its academic partnerships, both locally and internationally, with collaborations that include Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the United States and the University of Lagos, Nigeria.

On the infrastructure front, Professor Blankson announced the construction of a three-story student hostel in collaboration with Linday Holdings, which is expected to be completed in 2025. He noted that this project will significantly improve student life on campus.

In his address to the graduates, Professor Blankson offered words of encouragement and responsibility, urging them, “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 help build a better world.”

AUCC’s progress toward achieving Charter status and its focus on innovation demonstrate the institution’s unwavering commitment to academic excellence and nation-building.