NIBS University Urges Graduates to Pursue Excellence Beyond Borders at Second Congregation

         

             story By Azaglo Michael 

ACCRA, Aug. 1, 2026 – NIBS University has challenged its 2026 graduating class to embrace excellence, integrity, and lifelong learning as they prepare to lead in an increasingly dynamic global environment.

The call was made during the university's second congregation ceremony held on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at the university's premises in the Greater Accra Region under the theme, "Excellence Beyond Borders: Preparing Leaders for a Changing World."

The ceremony brought together graduates from the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), Doctor of Business Leadership (DBL), Ph.D., Master of FinTech Management, and Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) programmes. It was attended by government officials, traditional leaders, academics, alumni, development partners, families, and friends who gathered to celebrate the achievements of the graduating class.

Addressing the congregation, the Chancellor of NIBS University, Dr. George Nana Agyekum Donkor described the occasion as a significant milestone in the university's pursuit of academic excellence and transformational leadership.

Chancellor of NIBS University, Dr. George Nana Agyekum Donkor 

"It's an honour and privilege to welcome you to the second congregation ceremony of NIBS University, a day of celebration, reflection, and renewed purpose," he said.

He congratulated the graduates for completing their programmes through perseverance, discipline, resilience, and hard work, adding that the university continues to strengthen its reputation through academic excellence, entrepreneurship, industrial relevance and ethical leadership.

According to Dr. Donkor, the theme reflects the demands of an interconnected world where graduates must think critically, solve complex problems, collaborate across cultures, and lead with integrity.

"Excellence beyond borders is more than a theme. It is a call to action," he stated.

He urged the graduates to remain committed to continuous learning, noting that technological advancement and changing industries require leaders who are adaptable and innovative.

"Your degree, therefore, is not the conclusion of your education, but the foundation upon which continuous growth will be built," he said.

The Chancellor also encouraged the graduates to use their knowledge to create opportunities, solve societal challenges, and leave lasting positive legacies.

"The measure of your success will not rest solely on the titles you attain, the wealth you accumulate, or the recognition you receive. Rather, it will be reflected in the lives you touch, the problems you solve, the opportunities you create for others, and the positive legacy you leave behind," he added.

Dr. Donkor announced the launch of the Alumni Club 100 and the Research Infrastructure Fund, describing the initiatives as strategic efforts to mobilise resources for infrastructure expansion, research development, and the long-term advancement of the university

He reaffirmed the university's commitment to expanding international partnerships, strengthening research and innovation, and producing graduates capable of leading responsibly in a rapidly changing world.

Delivering the keynote address, the Special Guest of Honour and Commissioner of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), Dr. Joseph Akanjolenur Whittal urged the graduates to pursue excellence anchored in integrity and accountability.

Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), Dr. Joseph Akanjolenur Whittal 

Reflecting on his own educational journey, Dr. Whittal said NIBS University gave him more than an academic qualification.

"NIBS University gave me more than a certificate. It gave me a discipline of thought, a standard of rigour, and a conviction that knowledge divorced from character is a dangerous half measure," he said.

He encouraged graduates to recognise that excellence requires more than meeting minimum standards.

"Not competency, not adequacy, not the minimum standard that allows one to pass exams, but excellence," he said.

Dr. Whittal explained that today's leaders must work across disciplines to address global challenges such as climate finance, digital governance, and technological change.

He further cautioned that professional competence without ethical conduct could cause significant harm.

"Excellence beyond borders must therefore be anchored in an unshakable personal integrity because the more capable you become, the more damage your compromises are able to do," he stated.

He also reminded graduates that accountability strengthens ambition rather than limiting it, urging them to build careers founded on transparency, ethical leadership, and public trust.

The ceremony concluded with the conferment of degrees and certificates, as graduates celebrated the successful completion of their studies with their families, friends, and well-wishers.