The recent fifth congregation ceremony at Academic City University in Accra served as a poignant bridge between Ghana’s storied past and its promising future. Amidst the celebration of 157 students—comprising four master’s graduates and 153 undergraduates—the institution paused to confer its prestigious Distinguished Service Award upon Alhaji Mahama Iddrisu. A veteran statesman known for his tenure as Ghana’s longest-serving Minister of Defence, Alhaji Iddrisu was recognized not merely for the titles he held between 1985 and 1999, but for the profound integrity and selfless commitment he brought to the ministries of Interior, Transport, and Communication. The moment highlighted a core belief of the university: that the true measure of education is not found in a degree alone, but in a lifelong dedication to the service of one’s country.
Professor Fred McBagonluri, the President of Academic City University, captured the essence of the honoree’s career during his formal address. He noted that Alhaji Iddrisu’s leadership was characterized by a rare combination of unwavering strength and profound humility. By championing the growth of public institutions, the former minister became a beacon of statesmanship in a rapidly changing political landscape. Prof. McBagonluri emphasized that the university proudly celebrates Alhaji Iddrisu because his life story serves as a masterclass for the students in attendance, demonstrating that visionary leadership is rooted in moral courage and an enduring love for the collective progress of the African continent.
The atmosphere shifted from celebratory to reflective when Alhaji Iddrisu took the stage to accept the honor. With a voice shaped by decades of experience, he provided a humbling look back at his own humble beginnings in Northern Ghana. He spoke candidly about the stark educational disparities that defined his youth, noting that in those days, the paths to secondary and higher education were often blocked by systemic neglect and a lack of infrastructure. By sharing this perspective, he reminded the audience that the modern opportunities enjoyed by the 157 graduates in the room were not a guarantee, but a hard-won victory of progress that requires constant stewardship and protection.
In a powerful moment of reframing, the elder statesman eschewed the idea that national development is the work of a single political giant or a singular institution. Instead, he painted a portrait of Ghana as a complex, beautiful tapestry woven by the daily efforts of its citizens. From the farmer tending to his crops and the teacher instructing in a rural classroom to the security personnel standing guard and the trader building local trade, he credited the entire populace with the nation’s survival and growth. This message was a vital lesson for the graduates: that no matter how elevated their future positions might be, they remain inextricably linked to the efforts and needs of every other citizen.
Addressing the graduates directly, Alhaji Iddrisu hailed Academic City University as a symbol of hope and innovation, particularly through its rigorous focus on STEM education. He expressed an unshakable faith in their potential to tackle the country’s most pressing challenges, from poverty alleviation to technological advancement. For these young professionals, his words served as both an encouragement and a challenge; he reminded them that an education is a tool for liberation, but it is also a debt owed to society. He urged them to enter their respective fields with the understanding that success is hollow unless it is used to improve the lives of those who have been left behind.
As the ceremony drew to a close, the resonance between the institution’s values and its honoree’s legacy was clear. The university did not just award a certificate; it validated a philosophy of ethical, impact-driven leadership. By honoring a man who spent his life in the trenches of public service, Academic City University signaled that the future of Africa lies in the hands of those who balance technical expertise with a compassionate heart. For the new graduates stepping into the world, the message was clear: carry your degree with pride, but carry your responsibility to your community with even greater conviction. The foundation has been laid by those who came before; it is now their turn to build the next chapter.