AUCB Holds First Graduation After Presidential Charter

The African University of Communications and Business (AUCB) has held its 23rd Congregation, marking a historic milestone as the institution graduates its first batch of students under its Presidential Charter and full university autonomy.

The ceremony, held on Saturday, October 31, 2026, saw 350 graduands receive their certificates, comprising 206 undergraduate and 144 postgraduate students.

The graduation was the first since AUCB attained its Presidential Charter, allowing it to operate as a fully autonomous university and award certificates in its own name.

Addressing the congregation, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Isaac Abeku Blankson, described the occasion as a landmark in the university’s history, saying the achievement represented the culmination of years of institutional development, patience and hard work.

He said the Charter was more than a change in the university’s status or name; it affirmed its institutional maturity, academic responsibility, and confidence in shaping its future.

“Today is a landmark in the life of our University. This is our first graduation since AUCB attained its Presidential Charter and became a fully autonomous university,” he said.

“For the first time, our students graduate under the authority of AUCB and receive certificates issued by their own University.”

Prof. Blankson said the achievement was a source of pride for the university community, particularly those who had contributed to the process of securing the Charter.

He noted that the journey towards autonomy had demanded patience and hard work, but said the university was now reaping the benefits of its sustained efforts.

“Those who walked the Charter journey with us will agree that institutional transformation sometimes teaches patience and hard work. Today, that patience and hard work have yielded a harvest worth celebrating,” he said.

The Vice-Chancellor also used the occasion to reflect on the completion of the first five-year tenure of the university’s 2021-2026 administration.

He described the period as one characterised by reform, resilience and transformation, adding that the institution was entering a new phase with stronger foundations and greater responsibility.

According to him, the attainment of full autonomy places AUCB in a better position to determine its academic direction, strengthen its institutional structures and pursue its long-term development agenda.

Prof. Blankson said the university would build on the gains made during the past five years as it worked towards becoming a stronger institution capable of contributing meaningfully to national development.

He said the new phase would require the university community to continue working together and to embrace bold ideas that would advance the institution’s growth.

The 23rd Congregation was held under the theme, “Transforming Higher Education for a Resilient Nation: Leveraging for Sustainable Development.”

Prof. Blankson said the theme reflected the university’s commitment to developing graduates who could respond effectively to the changing demands of society.

He noted that higher education had a critical role to play in building resilient individuals, institutions and societies, particularly at a time when technology and other global developments were reshaping the world of work.

According to him, universities must prepare graduates who are able to navigate uncertainty, use technology ethically and responsibly, create value and demonstrate leadership with integrity.

He said the responsibility of higher education institutions extended beyond the award of certificates to equipping students with the knowledge, skills and values required to contribute to national progress.

The Vice-Chancellor also emphasised the importance of collective effort in achieving institutional growth, drawing on the African proverb that says, “If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.”

He said AUCB’s progress had been made possible through the collective efforts of its stakeholders and the university community.