Miss Christabel Kekeli Ama Acolor is the Valedictorian for the UESD 2025 graduating class with a CGPA of 3.9. She graduated with a B.Sc. in Water Resources Development from the Department of Water Resources and Acquaculture Management of the School of Sustainable Development (SSD.
Council Chairman, Chief of Staff (the Guest of Honour), Vice-Chancellor, Neneme, Manyeme Ag. Pro Vice-Chancellor, Registrar, Guest Speaker, our esteemed faculty and staff of UESD, our proud parents, invited guests, and most importantly, my fellow graduates. All protocols duly observed.
Today, it is humbling and my profound honour to address you as the valedictorian of the Graduating Class of 2025 of the University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD).
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” (Apostle Paul)
These words resonate deeply today. As we celebrate the end of one chapter, they remind us that this moment is about endurance, growth, and belief. We’ve faced challenges, stretched our limits, and held on to hope. And now, we stand here not just as graduates but as survivors of group projects, champions of last-minute submissions, and veterans of the great Wi-Fi wars.
Four years ago, we embarked on a journey together, not knowing where it would lead or the storms we would weather.
For me, that journey began not just with an application but with a deliberate choice. I was fortunate to receive admission offers from several other prestigious institutions in Ghana. I had offers to study BSc. Electronic and Electrical Engineering at the University of Mines and Technology (UMAT), BSc. Building Construction and Technology at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Bachelor of. Pharmacy at the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) as well BSc. Energy and Sustainability at the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR). However, I chose a different path: to study BSc. Water Resources Development at the University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD). I decided to focus on the environment, sustainability, and a future that needs guardians more than ever. And I can say, without hesitation, that I have never regretted that decision.
Together, as graduating class of 2025, we’ve shared wins and losses, sleepless nights, tough exams, and moments of doubt. We’ve laughed in hallways, built friendships that feel like family, and discovered passions that will shape our futures.
And then came CoBEL, our Community-Based Experiential Learning programme. For many of us, it was our first time staying in rural areas where even Google Maps gave up and said, “You’re on your own.” We learned to adapt, to listen, and to serve the communities we were posted to. It was humbling, eye-opening, and transformative. It taught us that securing the environment isn’t just a theme; it is a responsibility to care for the people and nature.
To our esteemed lecturers, thank you for your wisdom, your patience, and for pretending not to notice when we asked, “Is this going to be examined?” You have been more than educators. You’ve been mentors, guiding us with care and conviction. To the amazing staff of UESD, we appreciate your commitment in shaping us. You saw potential in us even when we doubted ourselves, and for that, we are deeply grateful.
To our families, your support has been our foundation. Your sacrifices have not gone unnoticed, and today is as much your triumph as it is ours.
To my fellow graduates, thank you for the memories, the group chats, and for always asking, “Has anyone started the assignment yet?”
And then there was Almighty Project Work: the sleepless nights, the endless formatting. We tried to be environmentally conscious by reusing old research, recycling citations, and upcycling last year’s literature review. Turnitin didn’t appreciate our creativity. The emotional rollercoaster of seeing “35% similarity” when all you did was quote your own work! We’ve cried over citations, begged for extensions, and prayed over PDF exports. But we made it. We really did.
We’ve learned not only from textbooks but from one another. We’ve grown together, shaped by each other’s perspectives, dreams, and values. These lessons and friendships are the true essence of our tertiary experience.
The race isn’t over; it’s just changing lanes. Ahead lies a world full of uncertainty, but also opportunity. Whatever path you choose, pursue it with passion and purpose. Let us remember what CoBEL taught us: real impact begins when we step into someone else’s world and choose to care even if that world has no cell service.
Let us secure the environment not just with policies but with deliberate purpose. Because the future we’re stepping into needs not just graduates. It needs guardians.
So, as we toss our caps and step into the future, let us carry forward the courage, compassion, and conviction that brought us here. We are not defined by the obstacles we faced but by the strength with which we faced them.
As we wrap up this memorable chapter, let’s take a moment to celebrate who we are, the 2nd proud batch of graduates from UESD, true pioneers of a young and promising university.
Let’s capture these last beautiful moments together; the smiles, the laughter, the group selfies, and the victory poses. Each picture is not just a memory, but a piece of our shared history.
As we step into our career journeys, may we carry the UESD spirit wherever we go. When success finds us and it surely will, let’s not forget the university that nurtured our potential and gave birth to our greatness.
Let’s continue to support and uplift our alma mater, so it grows stronger with every milestone we achieve.
Once a Pioneer, always a Pioneer!
Congratulations, Class of 2025.
Thank you.