THE University of Media, Arts and Communication (UniMAC) has matriculated 2,803 fresh students in Accra with a call on them to pursue academic excellence with integrity and innovation.

The ceremony on Friday formally admitted 1,685 undergraduate and 345 postgraduate students into the university for the 2025/2026 academic year.

Addressing the matriculants, Prof. Eric Opoku Mensah, the Vice-Chancellor, described the occasion as a sacred rite of passage, marking the official induction of the students into the academic community of the university.

He explained that matriculation conferred full membership of the university, granting students the rights and privileges to access libraries, laboratories and other academic facilities, participate in research activities and qualify for graduation upon successful completion of their programmes.

Without matriculation, he noted, no student could be recognised as a bona fide member of the university or be awarded a degree.

Out of 3,604 applications received for the academic year, 2,803 applicants were offered admission, reflecting the institution’s commitment to maintaining high academic standards.

The Vice-Chancellor said the university remained focused on its vision of becoming a first-rate institution pursuing excellence in research and professional education in communication and the creative arts.

He stated that UniMAC, the only public university in the country dedicated to training media and communication scholars and practitioners, had distinguished itself through originality, creativity and impact.

He urged the students to uphold the reputation of the university and contribute meaningfully to society through scholarship, discipline and service.

He cited distinguished alumni such as Joyce Bawa Mutari, Shamima Muslim, Godwin Asediba and Richard Kweku Asante (aka Kalybos) among others as examples of the calibre of professionals the university had produced over the years.

Touching on technology, the Vice-Chancellor encouraged students to harness the power of the internet and Artificial Intelligence (AI) responsibly to enhance their learning and problem-solving abilities.

He cautioned, however, that while AI tools could support academic work, they should not replace critical thinking, originality and intellectual curiosity.

“Our graduates must be AI-informed but human-centred thinkers who can question assumptions, evaluate evidence and exercise sound ethical judgment,” he said.

He further reminded the students of their responsibilities as members of the university community, stressing adherence to academic integrity, ethical conduct and respect for institutional regulations.

The Vice-Chancellor urged the Class of 2026 to be courageous, curious and compassionate, and to strive to make a positive impact in their respective fields.