St John Bosco's College of Education holds Matriculation(DG Monday Feb 18, 2012 Page 22)

Story & Pix: Benjamin Xornam Glover, Navrongo. The St. John Bosco's College of Education at Navrongo in the Upper East Region has held its 6th matriculation ceremony for two hundred and eight-six newly admitted students. The ceremony was to usher in fresh students who would undertake a three year Diploma in Education Programme. The Principal of the College, Mr. Alfred Ndago said the ceremony was a key academic procedure to welcome newly enrolled students into institutes of higher learning, as qualified to undertake higher education. The college for this academic year admitted a total 170 males and 116 females to undertake general education courses, science and mathematics and well technical programmes. Mr Ndago said the selection of the students was based on inter alia on their academic qualification, abilities and aptitudes, and was therefore hopeful they would uphold the standards of personal conducts, sincerity of purpose, honesty and integrity to sustain the image of the college. "We expert every trainee would apply himself or herself effectively to the rules and regulations of the college and be ready to protect and defend the hard won credibility and status of the institution." He said. Mr Ndago urged the students to study hard to improve upon their work performance, and take advantage of every available facility to enable them acquire the knowledge, skills and competence they need for their careers in order to become good teachers and role models to the pupils they will be handling after their training. He said the important function of tertiary education was to equip students to solve their challenges by analyzing problems and finding solutions to them, saying this opportunity would form the basis for the future of the students. Mr Ndago touched on wha he termed 'three demons' on the college campus and urged students to avoid them if they are to succeed in their academic pursuit. These are money, lust and laziness. He said the payment of allowance to students and how each student manages the quantum of money received is a direct result of the care-free, unserious or lackadaisical attitude do some students. Again, he said the rate at which pregnancies are occurring among female trainees is a source of worry. "Pregnant women pursuing a professional course such as teaching suffer the effects of work pressure on academic achievement. The creeping in of laziness stems from the perceived comfort of life which may be resulting from lightened financial burden and loss of focus or aspiration. To solve these challenges, it would take guidance and counseling expert to do individual as well as group counseling. The best caution is that you take your time." He cautioned the trainees. He urged the students to be disciplined in the area of time management and adhere to all rules and regulations. he further advised the trainees to choose dialogue in solving their grievances by using the appropriate channels of communication without resorting to violence and mischief which have negative effects on the individual and the institution. End Writer's email: benjamin.glover@graphic.com.gh