He said private universities emerged at a time when public universities could only admit 60 percent of the potential intake.

The Vice President said this at the 25th Congregation and 40th anniversary of Valley View University at Oyibi in Accra.

He said whilst the world suffered challenges such as unemployment, global warming, poverty and a number of others, higher education held the key to finding solutions to most of these problems.

The Vice President said, this was because, such education produced creative thinkers, who basically were most needed in any society that craved for progress.

He said Valley View University had done a great job in promoting tertiary education in the country over the years, adding that, the democratic structuring of the university had also prevented incidents such as rioting by students, which was highly commendable.

The Vice President also commended the University for putting in measures that made it possible for students who needed to work and earn, in order to finance their education to do so, and said it was an initiative that was worth sharing with other universities.

He commended the University for improving from having a student population of less than 20 when it commenced in 1979, to over 9,000 students in present times.

The Vice President assured Valley View University and all other private universities in the country that the government highly appreciated their efforts, and would put in all measures to ensure their progress.

"As you celebrate your past, dedicate your efforts towards a prosperous future," he added.

Vice President Mahamadu Bawumia, urged the graduates to be ambassadors of positive change in the society with the skills they had learnt.

"Keep in mind that a diploma or degree is just a tool. It is only how you use these tools and conduct yourselves that would count," he said.

The Vice President urged them to carry excellence, integrity and service everywhere, adding that it was important to remain faithful and true to God and the society they were supposed to serve.

"Go out into the world and be sincere with your output, so your positive impact is felt not only in Ghana, but the world over," he said.

Professor (Prof) Daniel Kwame Bediako, Vice Chancellor of the University, said he was confident that the graduates were ready to improve upon the lot of Ghana and the entire African continent.

He noted that if Ghanaians and Africans as a whole, focused their energies on effecting progress on the continent from within, "We shall find ourselves creating an Africa beyond aid, to borrow the words of His Excellency the President of the Republic."

Prof. Bediako said it was his prayer and believe, that through God's guidance, the graduates would successfully brave through life, in spite of its challenges.

The first session of this year's Congregation for the University presented a total of 2,040 graduands from seven countries for the award of degrees and diplomas.

Out of this number, 1,885 are under graduates and 155 post graduate with 1,275 being males and 765 females.

A total of 897 were presented with certificates during the Sunday ceremony, while the rest would be presented on July 14 in Kumasi and July 21 in Techiman respectively.

The University, which commenced in 1979 with less than 20 students, now boasts of a student population that stands over 9,000.