Imagine the thrill of watching 1,864 bright minds step into their futures, all while toasting 25 years of groundbreaking education— that’s the heartwarming scene unfolding at Wisconsin International University College (WIUC) this week! But here’s where it gets really inspiring: as Ghana’s trailblazing private university, WIUC isn’t just handing out diplomas; it’s celebrating a legacy of shaping lives and careers. Stick around, because the journey from humble beginnings to powerhouse is packed with surprises that might just change how you view higher education. And this is the part most people miss—the subtle controversies brewing around balancing cutting-edge tech with timeless human values. Let’s dive in and explore what makes this silver jubilee graduation so special.
This momentous occasion, themed ‘WIUC’s Silver Jubilee: Celebrating 25 Years of Impactful Education,’ brought together eager graduates, dedicated faculty, and notable guests from across Ghana. The Class of 2025 boasts an impressive mix: 1,376 students from the Accra Campus and 488 from the Kumasi Campus. Among them, 23 earned diplomas, 1,673 completed undergraduate programs, and 168 achieved postgraduate degrees. Interestingly, women led the charge in undergrads with 1,287 graduates versus 386 men, though the numbers flipped for postgraduates at 55 females to 113 males. For beginners wondering about these degrees, think of diplomas as foundational stepping stones, undergraduates as your main bachelor’s journey, and postgraduates as advanced master’s or doctoral levels that build on prior knowledge to specialize even further.
The academic results speak volumes about WIUC’s commitment to excellence. Undergraduates shone brightly: 137 snagged First Class Honours (that’s the top tier, often requiring near-perfect scores), 643 earned Second Class Upper divisions, 610 got Second Class Lower, 232 managed Third Class, and 51 passed with Pass classifications. These outcomes highlight the rigorous standards at an institution established in 2000 as Ghana’s inaugural accredited private university—proving that consistent hard work pays off in real-world skills.
In his keynote speech, WIUC President Dr. Lawrence Kannae reflected on a pivotal year for the school, spotlighting enhanced ties with professional organizations like the Institute of Chartered Accountants and the Chartered Institute of Bankers. These partnerships aren’t just fancy handshakes; they’re designed to craft graduates who hit the ground running in careers, ready to tackle industry demands without missing a beat. Dr. Kannae also championed the university’s entrepreneurship hub, a creative space aimed at fostering innovators who launch businesses rather than just hunt for jobs. As Ghana battles high youth unemployment, this focus could be a game-changer in nurturing a new wave of entrepreneurs to fuel economic progress. But here’s where it gets controversial—what if prioritizing job creators means sidelining those who prefer secure employment? Is this the right path for every graduate, or should universities balance both approaches?
Dr. Kannae didn’t stop there; he urged the new grads to blend tech breakthroughs with core human qualities. The AI boom offers endless possibilities, but true leadership stems from wisdom, empathy, and resilience, he emphasized. He challenged them to embody excellence as ambassadors, assuring ongoing support from the WIUC family. This advice resonates deeply—imagine navigating a world where robots handle routines; it’s the soft skills that make you stand out. And this is the part most people miss: how do we teach empathy in an era of algorithms? It’s a debate worth pondering.
The event shone a spotlight on standout achievers and milestones. Ann Awini Amadu from the Upper East Region bagged the valedictory award for her stellar academics. Benjamin Boahen was crowned Best Graduating Student at the Kumasi Campus, and Peter Takyi Ohemeng clinched Best Postgraduate Student. Six students from the School of Communication Studies received the 2024 FCF Scholarship, a Canada-based initiative covering four semesters of tuition while encouraging social responsibility in media and communication. This isn’t just financial aid; it’s a lifeline for talented individuals who might otherwise struggle with costs, promoting fields that shape public opinion and ethics.
WIUC also celebrated broader wins: The Business School’s Achievers Club secured second place in a challenge by the Chartered Institute of Business, showcasing their edge in ethical business training. Meanwhile, the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences hit a major milestone with its first batch of Level 400 Education students completing off-campus teaching practice—real-world classroom experience to prepare future educators. A second group is already in motion, ensuring teachers enter Ghana’s schools battle-tested. They even inked a Memorandum of Understanding with the Sustainable Development Alliance for joint research and environmental education, blending academia with global sustainability goals. For beginners, think of teaching practice as a hands-on internship where theory meets the chaos of a real classroom, building confidence and skills.
International connections are propelling WIUC forward. A partnership with Tanzania’s University of Iringa, sparked by a March 2025 delegation, is brewing an MoU covering nursing school support, IT revamps, student exchanges, and research collaborations. Plus, links to the EU’s ERASMUS+ program for the School of Computing and Technology in 2025/2026 promise global exposure—essential in our interconnected world for broadening horizons and fostering cultural understanding.
Tech upgrades are revolutionizing learning too. The School of Nursing and Midwifery unveiled a cutting-edge 3D Anatomy Table, letting students virtually dissect life-sized human models and simulate procedures. This tool is a leap forward, placing WIUC at the forefront of West African nursing education and ditching the need for traditional labs with cadavers. Imagine exploring anatomy without the mess—it’s like high-tech VR for med students!
WIUC’s evolution is nothing short of remarkable: from under 10 students in one faculty 25 years ago to nearly 12,000 across campuses today. They’ve expanded programs to include advanced degrees in medicine, midwifery, law, cybersecurity, and digital forensics. Investments in state-of-the-art labs, anatomy facilities, and specialized libraries underscore their dedication to top-notch education that meets Ghana’s workforce needs.
As the pioneer private university, WIUC set the standard for others to emulate, backed by National Accreditation Board approval and affiliations with heavyweights like the University of Ghana, University of Cape Coast, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, and University for Development Studies. This silver jubilee isn’t just a party—it’s a moment to reflect on thriving amid challenges, with growing partnerships, booming enrollment, and grads venturing into diverse fields. WIUC seems poised to influence Ghana’s future leaders for decades.
What are your thoughts on this? Do you agree that entrepreneurship should trump job-seeking in higher education, or is there room for both? Should universities prioritize tech like AI over human values, or find a middle ground? Share your opinions in the comments—let’s spark a conversation about shaping the next generation!