Telecel Ghana chief executive, Patricia Obo-Nai, has been bestowed with an honorary Doctor of Science degree by the Accra Metropolitan University, during its first conferral and graduation ceremony since gaining a presidential charter.
The conferment of Doctor of Science (D.Sc.), Honoris Causa, was in recognition of Ing. Obo-Nai’s pioneering contributions to engineering, telecommunications, and digital inclusion, as well as her advocacy for women in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields.
She was honoured alongside the Inspector General of Police, Christian Tetteh Yohuno, who received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree.
“This decision, unanimously approved by the University Council at its recent 16th sitting, recognises your trailblazing achievements in the fields of engineering and telecommunications, your outstanding leadership as the first Ghanaian female CEO of a major telecom operator, and your relentless advocacy for youth empowerment, women in STEM, and digital inclusion across Africa,” said Prof. Goski Alabi, Acting Vice Chancellor of the Accra Metropolitan University.
Speaking in the packed and heavily guarded auditorium of graduates, dignitaries, and faculty at the university’s campus in Nungua, Madam Obo-Nai accepted the honour and was full of gratitude as she shared a deep personal reflection on her journey.
“I thank the leadership of this university sincerely for this honour, and for seeing in my journey the values you uphold. This is a full-circle moment I will cherish forever. In my formative years, my favourite fixes were replacing light bulbs, burnt fluorescent tubes, and fridge plugs.
“Those small beginnings shaped my love for problem-solving. These were all building blocks to a journey that only God could have shaped so beautifully.”
She dedicated the honour to her family, colleagues at Telecel Ghana, and women striving for leadership in science and technology.
“This is to every young woman pushing beyond the real and imaginary boundaries that society presents to women daily. We need more women in STEM for their brilliance, perspective, and progress.
“We cannot transform Ghana into a developed state if half of the population feels left behind. Innovation without inclusion is incomplete.”
A total of 36 graduates received certificates in both bachelor’s and master’s programmes, with seven faculty members and students receiving special awards from the university for their outstanding efforts and contributions to its growth.
Chancellor of Perez University College and Founder of Perez Chapel International, Archbishop Charles Agyinasare, was named the prized alumnus, as he graduated with a master’s in business administration, specialising in Human Resource Management.
Guest speaker, Barima Nana Yaw Kodie Oppong, who is the Director of the Ghana School of Law and Director of Legal Education, in his address, advised graduates to uphold their personal principles and embrace technology as opportunities for growth, not for illegitimate gains.
Accra Metropolitan University, formerly Larweh Open University, is an educational institution founded to provide flexible, accessible distance education for working adults and non-traditional learners.
Over the years, it transformed from an open-learning model into a fully-fledged university, expanding its curriculum beyond distance education to include on-campus programmes in business, finance, security, technology, leadership, and sustainability.
In closing her acceptance speech, Patricia Obo-Nai urged the graduating class to embrace leadership as service with purpose.
“Your education here has equipped you, but your purpose will define you. Be the kind of person whose positive presence is felt long after you have left the room. Leadership is the courage to build bridges when others build walls.”
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