UPSA urges graduates to embrace entrepreneurship amid graduate unemployment

The University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), is urging graduates to embrace entrepreneurship and job creation as Ghana’s young people continue to face competition for limited employment opportunities. The university says it is shifting from teaching students the principles of entrepreneurship to helping them turn business ideas into viable enterprises.

Speaking at the second session of UPSA’s 18th Congregation, Vice-Chancellor Professor Kwaku Mensah Mawutor said the institution wanted graduates to identify opportunities, develop innovative solutions and establish businesses capable of creating jobs. “Our responsibility is not only to teach students how to write business plans but to shape them to identify opportunities, develop innovative solutions, establish viable businesses and create jobs,” he said.

The approach, he explained, is intended to prepare students not only to seek employment but also to create opportunities for themselves and others. Cyber Security Authority chief urges collaboration Director-General of the Cyber Security Authority, Professor Divine Selase Agbeti, also challenged the graduates to reconsider relying solely on paid employment.

He encouraged them to collaborate, develop innovative ideas and explore business opportunities that could translate into sustainable enterprises. He cited software development as one area where graduates could pool their skills to create products and seek customers. “Three, four, five, six of you can come together and decide to be software developers, develop your software, approach people and I can guarantee you that you will sell your software,” he said.

His remarks highlighted collaboration and innovation as possible routes for graduates seeking to establish themselves in the economy. Best graduating student considers employment and entrepreneurship For Nancy Edem Atsu, who emerged as the overall best graduating student at the second session of UPSA’s 18th Congregation, the achievement represents years of hard work and perseverance.

She recounted the difficulties she faced with some courses, saying determination and consistent effort helped her overcome the challenges. Despite her academic success, Nancy is still weighing her options as she prepares for life after university. She is interested in pursuing opportunities in public relations while also considering her passion for baking as a possible business venture.

“I also love to bake when it comes to entrepreneurship, but I am also looking to secure a job in PR firms,” she said. Her plans reflect the different paths graduates may consider as they navigate the transition from university to the world of work. A proud moment for her family Nancy’s achievement was also a source of pride for her mother, Madam Bertha, who said her daughter’s academic journey involved significant challenges and sacrifices.

She expressed gratitude at seeing her daughter graduate with distinction after years of supporting her education. “We want to thank God for what I have seen today, that my daughter too has this appointment,” she said. For the graduates, the congregation marks the completion of years of academic work. The next challenge is to secure employment, build viable businesses or combine both paths as they work towards their professional ambitions.