Dr. Stephen Banahene addressing the matriculants
THE ACTING Vice-Chancellor of Christian Service University (CSU), Dr. Stephen Banahene, has urged newly admitted students to uphold Christian values, maintain high moral standards as well as demonstrate integrity in their academic and personal lives.
He cautioned the students against examination malpractice and other behaviours that contradict Christian principles, stressing that their university education should equip them not only with academic qualifications but also with wisdom, discipline, good character and a commitment to serving God and humanity.
Dr. Banahene made the call at the university’s 52nd matriculation ceremony for the 2026/2027 academic year, held in Kumasi on Saturday, October 17, 2026.
A total of 1,044 students were matriculated out of the 1,419 applicants recorded during the September 2026 admission session, representing 74 per cent of the applicants.
The newly admitted students comprised 924 undergraduates, representing 88.5 per cent, and 120 postgraduate students, accounting for 11.5 per cent.
The Acting Vice-Chancellor disclosed that female students constituted the majority of the admissions, with 809 females representing 77.5 per cent, compared with 235 males, representing 22.5 per cent.
He further revealed that the Nursing and Midwifery programmes accounted for 74 per cent of the registered students, a development he said had significantly influenced the university’s resource allocation.
Christian Values
Dr. Banahene reminded the students that Christian Service University was an evangelical Christian institution whose values were anchored in the Scriptures.
He said the university upheld high academic standards and integrity, urging the students to avoid conduct that fell below the institution’s Christian standards.
He encouraged them to develop the courage to think critically, ask questions and make responsible decisions rather than blindly follow the crowd.
Dr. Banahene noted that the true value of university education would be reflected not only in academic achievements but also in the character students developed, the relationships they built and their contributions to society.
Admission Challenges
The Acting Vice-Chancellor disclosed that about 26 per cent of applicants had not registered for the academic year for various reasons.
He attributed the situation partly to the Nursing and Midwifery Council’s quota directive, which prevented the university from admitting some applicants to its nursing programme.
He added that some applicants had deferred their admission to the January 2027 intake, while others faced work-related challenges.
Dr. Banahene said the university management was exploring innovative modes of programme delivery to expand access to tertiary education, particularly for people whose employment commitments made it difficult to pursue conventional academic programmes.
Student Loan
He also encouraged the newly admitted students to take advantage of the government’s Student Loan Plus facility to meet their educational expenses.
According to him, the facility covered tuition fees and hostel accommodation, and urged students to contact the Students Loan Trust Fund office for information on accessing the financial support.
Lesson From Ants
Drawing inspiration from Proverbs 6:6–8, Dr. Banahene urged the students to learn from the diligence, discipline and foresight of ants.
He identified hard work, awareness of the seasons and the ability to work without constant supervision as three important lessons from the biblical passage.
He advised the students to study diligently in preparation for their examinations, manage their time effectively, and take personal responsibility for their academic progress.
He further reminded them that they were responsible for directing their own lives and should therefore exercise self-discipline while complying with the university’s rules and regulations.
The Acting Vice-Chancellor also urged lecturers and other university staff to continue providing the academic guidance, encouragement and pastoral support required to help students achieve their educational and personal goals.
He concluded by praying for wisdom, good health, courage, discipline, humility and compassion for the newly matriculated students, expressing hope that their time at Christian Service University would be fruitful, meaningful and transformative.
FROM David Afum, Kumasi
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