…urges NiBS EMBA graduates to uphold integrity
Deputy Minister of Education, John Ntim Fordjour has emphasised the need to channel more efforts into developing students or learners beyond textbook knowledge.
He highlighted that: “The world is changing fast; therefore, there is a need to develop the Ghanaian learner in this 21st century to become a global citizen through creativity and innovation. More effort must be put in to emphasise 21st-century competencies beyond textbook knowledge. Although we already do this, we must intensify our efforts in the next years.”
He made this call in a speech read on his behalf by Deputy Director of Ghana Tertiary Education Commission, Professor Yayra Dzakadzie at the Nobel International Business School’s Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) degrees graduation ceremony held in Accra.
While emphasising that education is the foundation upon which the country’s progress will be built, he urged the new graduates to uphold integrity and commit to making a difference.
“The challenges of tomorrow demand adaptable, visionary, and resilient individuals – attributes we’re confident you possess abundantly.
“As we celebrate your achievements today, we also recognize the responsibility that accompanies success. Your education and training have equipped you to take on leadership roles, to innovate, and to steer change. Embrace this responsibility with humility, integrity, and a commitment to making a difference,” he urged.
He further added: “The world is changing at an unprecedented pace, it is essential that we stay ahead of the curve to provide our students with the best possible education.
“This means constantly re-evaluating our programs and making sure that they are in line with the latest industry trends and demands. It is important to adapt our programs and courses to suit the current global environment, so our graduates can be equipped with the skills they need to succeed in today’s economy.”
The ceremony, which was on the theme, “Creating Tomorrow’s Workforce” saw graduates offer the Executive Master of Business Administration, Certified Strategy Professionals Programmes and the Certified Innovation Professionals Programme (CIP), with the induction of the Certified Innovation Professionals into the Association.
The Executive Dean and Founder of NiBS, Professor Kwaku Atuahene-Gima added his voice to the call noting that the existing educational system needs to prioritise creativity and innovation.
He added that either the narrative changes by way of producing innovative and creative thinkers or else “countries will always follow people with the loudest voices.”
“The world is changing so fast that increasingly when you finish a degree, it becomes obsolete because of changes in the environment, that is why we built these programmes to upskill and reskill executives for them to be continuously relevant” he said.
Speaking on ‘creating tomorrow’s workforce in this rapidly evolving world’, Ambassador of Switzerland to Ghana, Simone Giger reiterated that the growing significance of critical thinking skills is paramount.
“Critical thinking forms the foundation for understanding the world, solving intricate problems, and making informed decisions. We often limit ourselves due to fear of where our thoughts may lead us, but often thinking outside the box and questioning received wisdom is key to accelerating development and improving quality of life,” she said.
She added that one also requires social and interpersonal skills, explaining that the ability to collaborate, communicate effectively, and deal with diverse perspectives is vital for a society that is increasingly interconnected and interdependent.
“In order to set ourselves apart from AI, common sense, emotional intelligence and social skills will become essential ingredients for any successful career. As you consider your role in shaping the future, remember the world needs innovative thinkers, compassionate leaders, and advocates for positive change,” she noted.
She also pointed out that the pressing global challenges, such as climate change and environmental degradation, require urgent attention.
“Equipped with the rich skills you have acquired at NiBS, you can analyse the environmental impact of business practices and propose innovative solutions, contributing to a sustainable and prosperous future,” she told the graduates.
