Islamic University College, Ghana (IUCG) held its 26 th Matriculation Ceremony on Thursday, April 17, 2025, at the university’s auditorium, welcoming hundreds of new students into its academic community for the 2024–2025 academic year. In a heartfelt and eloquent address on behalf of the newly admitted students, a first-year student Abubakar Ruhaina Chifado, delivered a powerful speech on the theme “Expectations of
Matriculants.” Her remarks emphasized academic dedication, ethical conduct, welfare support, inclusivity, and spiritual growth. Ruhaina expressed gratitude to Allah for the opportunity to join the IUCG family, acknowledging the university as a unique institution that brings together people from different backgrounds in pursuit of knowledge and excellence. “Today is a memorable day in our lives,” she said. “We come from different backgrounds, cultures, and regions, but we are now united by a common purpose – the pursuit of knowledge, character, and excellence,” she added. She highlighted that matriculants are expected to demonstrate academic discipline, integrity, and critical thinking while also urging the university to provide a supportive and engaging academic environment. “We expect our lecturers to be approachable and committed to helping us achieve academic excellence. “We look forward to engaging lectures, thought-provoking discussions, and opportunities to explore our passions,” she said. Ruhaina also emphasized the importance of moral and ethical values, urging both students and faculty to lead by example. She further said “Whether Muslim or not, we are expected to respect the rules of the institution and live by values such as honesty, humility, responsibility, and respect for others.” Welfare issues were a key concern in her address, with special attention drawn to the needs of students with disabilities. Ruhaina appealed to university management to improve accessibility and living conditions for all, noting that one of her colleagues struggles to access some of the university’s facilities. “Hostel hygiene, proper waste management, and prompt resolution of issues affecting students are critical,” she stressed, while also encouraging students to take personal responsibility for their own mental and physical well-being. On extracurricular activities, Ruhaina encouraged fellow students to participate actively in campus life beyond the classroom, noting that such engagements foster leadership, communication, and personal growth. She concluded by emphasizing the need for spiritual development, reminding fellow students that IUCG stands out not only for its academic standards but also for its values rooted in faith. “We are not just here to become graduates, but to become people of knowledge, faith, and positive influence,” she said. “Let us strive to meet the expectations placed on us – academically, morally, and socially. “Together, let us grow and succeed.” The ceremony was attended by members of the academic board, faculty, staff, and special guests, all of whom welcomed the new students and reaffirmed the university’s commitment to holistic education grounded in Islamic values.
