Lancaster University Ghana (LUG) is a partnership between Lancaster University and Transnational Academic Group (TAG). LUG provides a world class degree in Ghana delivered by exceptional academic staff, with outstanding student support, scholarships, and a family friendly experience. It is the only university which delivers a British degree in sub-Saharan Africa and provides a global pathway for all its graduates. LUG has a distinctive approach to education focusing on helping its graduates develop a creative approach to problem solving, an ethic of service, and the ability to meet the very considerable challenges that lie ahead of them.

For over 50 years Lancaster University has been providing World Class education to students across the world. Lancaster University holds top ten positions in all major UK league tables and a global league table position inside the top 150 of all universities world-wide. Rising to its highest ever ranking of 6^th in the Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2018, Lancaster University was also named their University of the Year 2018. The University has also received the UK government’s Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) Gold award for outstanding teaching, an outstanding learning environment and delivering excellent employment outcomes for its students. This is the highest possible rating a university can achieve.

Since its inauguration in 2013, LUG has grown from 67 students, to over 500 students, with now over 240 alumni from the campus in Accra. This branch campus offers the same high quality Lancaster degree right here in Accra. Students have the option of transferring to the UK once they complete their foundation year, as well as the opportunity to participate in many exchange programmes throughout their academic journey.

At this year’s graduation, one hundred and five (105) students were awarded Bachelor’s Degrees in the following courses: Economics and International Relations, Politics and International Relations, Accounting and Finance, Computer Studies, Business Studies, Marketing, Psychology and Law. These students come from various countries such as Ghana, Nigeria, Mali, Italy, Gabon, Japan and India.

Degrees were conferred by Professor Mark E. Smith, Vice Chancellor of Lancaster University, UK. Special guests in attendance included Mr Rakesh Wahi, Co-Founder of Transnational Academic Group, Professor Sharon Huttly, Pro-Vice-Chancellor Education, Ms Nicola Owen, Chief Administration Officer & Secretary of Lancaster University, Dr Kingsley Nyarko, Executive Secretary of The National Accreditation Board (NAB), Mr Valentine Ozigbo, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Transcorp Hotels Plc, who received Distinguished Alumnus Recognition for his achievements after getting his MSc Finance in Lancaster University in 2004, and other Faculty from Lancaster University, UK.

“Our graduands here today are only the second cohort to graduate and many hundreds more will follow them in the years to come,” the Vice-Chancellor told the audience at the ceremony. “Today Lancaster is a truly global university. At a time when there is such profound uncertainty, even volatility, in so many parts of the world, when social, economic and political change has become the new normal and when some societies and their political leaders have been tempted to turn inwards, Lancaster remains resolute in our determination to be a university that is open to the world.  We believe in building bridges not walls”.

During his address, Mr Wahi told the graduates “Be brave and have the courage to persevere, even when you fail. You must remember that failure is a path to success. Lift yourself when you fall, and come back stronger. Conquer the world, serve your communities with honour and dignity, make each day count, and achieve perfection in all that you do. When you achieve success, do not fail to look behind you and give back to those that are less fortunate.”

The graduation ceremony also served as a platform to launch the Lancaster Award at the LU Ghana campus. The Lancaster Award recognises and celebrates the important range of extracurricular activities completed by students and the major contribution these activities make to their employability. It is a voluntary commitment and is in addition to their academic studies.

In addition to the Foundation programme, available Undergraduate courses, and the two-year part-time Executive MBA, LUG is expanding its course offerings with the introduction of an Engineering Foundation Pathway this October, specifically designed for students interested in pursuing undergraduate degrees in Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, as well as the MSc Management expected to commence in October 2019.

For more information about Lancaster University Ghana, visit www.lancaster.edu.gh