Our Journey Has Only Just Begun” – Valedictory Speech by Dr. David Jesining Sumbo at MITDS 7th Graduation
The atmosphere at the Millar Institute for Transdisciplinary and Development Studies (MITDS), Bolgatanga, was filled with pride and emotion as Dr. David Jesining Sumbo delivered a heartfelt valedictory address during the 7th graduation ceremony. Dr. Sumbo began his speech with deep gratitude, recognizing the collective effort that had carried the PhD graduands through their academic journey. “Our supervisors, mentors, advisors, and all the academic and non-academic staff of MITDS challenged us, guided us, and sometimes simply gave us a listening ear. This is very much appreciated.” He lauded the University for Development Studies (UDS) for its supervisory role, particularly through its Quality Assurance Directorate, which ensured academic excellence at MITDS. With admiration, he singled out the institution’s founder: “Prof. Millar has been the pillar of the institution, making himself available to all students, whether directly supervising them or not. No student was left stranded.” The valedictorian’s words also highlighted the often unseen role of family support. He spoke movingly of his daughter, Dr. Songbawiere, whose encouragement kept him motivated: “Anytime I raised doubts about how long I would use the certificate before retirement, she reminded me that the certificate is not for me, but for the children. That gave me a completely different perspective.” Reflecting on the struggles and triumphs of the doctoral journey, Dr. Sumbo described it as both exciting and frustrating. “As adult learners, we had to juggle between responsibilities at home and at work while maintaining high-quality standards. It was not easy, but it is fulfilling to know that you have contributed in your own little way to knowledge.” He commended his colleagues—clergymen, academics, development workers, businessmen, for becoming a family through the shared rigors of their studies. Their bond, he said, should not end at graduation: “Our friendship and comradeship have deepened over the period. Let’s continue to forge ahead to impact the world with our new skills acquired based on the MITDS philosophy.” For Mr. Sumbo, the greatest lesson of the PhD was not just academic achievement but a deeper humility and curiosity. “The more we learn, the more we realize how much remains to be understood. Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known,” he said, quoting Carl Sagan. As he closed, Dr. Sumbo urged his fellow graduates to see development as a lifelong collective mission: “Development is not a destination, it is a continuous, collective journey and ours is only just beginning. So let’s not stop here. Let’s stay curious, stay humble, and continue searching—not just for answers, but for better questions.” Source: Apexnewsgh.com
UDS Vice Chancellor Calls for Swift Chartering of MITDS at Seventh Graduation
The Vice Chancellor of the University for Development Studies (UDS), Prof. Seidu Alhassan, represented by Prof. Abdulai Abubakari, has urged government and regulatory bodies to expedite the process of granting a Presidential Charter to the Millar Institute for Transdisciplinary and Development Studies (MITDS). He made the call during the Institute’s seventh graduation ceremony held on Saturday. Prof. Abubakari, speaking on behalf of the UDS Vice Chancellor, said it was both an honour and a privilege to be part of the milestone celebration of MITDS, describing the Institute as “a cherished baby of UDS.” “Since the inception of MITDS, UDS has played her mentoring role to the fullest. We have provided lecturers, supervised student theses, and examined works to support the Institute from day one,” he remarked. He revealed that UDS had recently renewed its affiliation certificate with MITDS to strengthen their collaboration. He also expressed appreciation for the space MITDS had offered UDS to mount its distance education programme. Touching on the future of MITDS, Prof. Abubakari commended the Institute’s progress in teaching, research, publications, and community service, describing their achievements as “worth mentioning and emulating.” He, however, emphasized the importance of the next step in its journey. “To be found worthy of a Presidential Charter is a great landmark in the academic ladder. It is only then that MITDS can award her own degrees in place of UDS degrees,” he stressed. He called on the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), government, GETFund, and other support agencies to assist MITDS, especially in expanding its ICT and Artificial Intelligence infrastructure. To the graduates, the Vice Chancellor offered words of encouragement and a challenge for lifelong learning. “Education is a life-long endeavor. The conferment of a degree today is only another phase of your academic life. Feel challenged to expand your horizon and make yourself more relevant and marketable for your family, your country, and the world at large,” he urged. He reminded the graduates that they would be carrying UDS certificates and, therefore, must be “worthy ambassadors of their alma mater and shine their light wherever they find themselves.” With blessings and good wishes, he concluded his address before proceeding with the conferment of degrees. Source: Apexnewsgh.com