Story By: Nii Okpoti Odamtten / Muhammad Faisal Mustapha…
In a compelling call for youth driven economic transformation, the Chairman of the Sentuo Group, Xu Ningquan, has urged graduating students of Radford University College to rise beyond the pursuit of employment and embrace the responsibility of creating opportunities that uplift communities.
Delivering the keynote address as Special Guest of Honour at the university’s 10th Congregation and 14th Matriculation Ceremony in Accra, Mr. Xu challenged the graduating class to see their academic achievements not merely as personal milestones but as instruments for broader societal transformation.
According to him, the future of Ghana will increasingly depend on a generation of graduates who possess the courage, creativity and entrepreneurial drive to generate jobs and stimulate economic growth.
“Your degree is not just a piece of paper,” Mr. Xu declared to a packed auditorium of students, faculty and dignitaries.
“It is proof of what you can achieve when you commit to a vision and stay the course despite the challenges.”
The ceremony marked a defining moment for both graduating students stepping into professional life and newly admitted students beginning their academic journeys.
Mr. Xu described the occasion as “a powerful transition point where ambition meets responsibility.” While congratulating the graduating class, he also welcomed the newly matriculated students into the Radford community, encouraging them to seize the opportunities ahead with discipline and determination.
“Today is both an ending and a beginning,” he said.
“For the graduates, it is the start of a new responsibility to society. For the freshmen, it is the beginning of a journey that will test your determination, endurance and commitment to excellence.”
Mr. Xu praised Radford University College for anchoring its academic philosophy on the core values of Determination, Endurance and Achievement, principles he described as essential for navigating the demands of modern education and professional life.
He noted that institutions that combine academic rigor with character development are crucial to shaping leaders capable of responding to the complex challenges of a rapidly evolving world.
“Success rarely comes from comfort,” he told the students.
“It grows from determination, it is strengthened by endurance, and it is ultimately crowned with achievement.”
Commending the university’s expanding academic portfolio, Mr. Xu highlighted the importance of programmes offered in Business Administration, Nursing, Fashion Design, Information and Communication Technology, and Medical Laboratory Technology.
He described these disciplines as critical pillars for Ghana’s development, noting that skilled professionals in healthcare, technology, creative industries and business innovation will play a decisive role in shaping the country’s economic future.
“As the world moves faster than ever before, Ghana needs graduates who do not only look for jobs but create them,” he said.
“The knowledge you have acquired must translate into innovation, service and opportunity for others.”
A recurring theme in Mr. Xu’s address was the moral responsibility of educated individuals to contribute to the well-being of their communities.
He reminded graduates that individual achievement becomes truly meaningful only when it contributes to collective progress.
“Personal success means very little if your community does not grow with you,” he emphasized.
“The greatest leaders are those who open doors for others.”
Turning his attention to newly matriculated students, Mr. Xu encouraged them to remain disciplined, curious and resilient throughout their academic journey.
He urged them to engage deeply with their studies, ask questions and take advantage of every opportunity offered by the university.
“You have made a wise decision by choosing Radford,” he said.
“Study diligently, challenge yourselves intellectually, and always remember the guiding words of this institution Determination, Endurance and Achievement.”
Beyond the academic celebration, Mr. Xu also reflected on the broader significance of education in strengthening international cooperation.
As Founding President of the Ghana Fujian Chinese Merchants and Overseas Chinese Federation, he emphasized that educational partnerships remain one of the strongest pillars supporting the longstanding relationship between Ghana and China.
He expressed optimism that collaboration between Chinese institutions and Ghanaian academic and business communities would continue to expand, fostering innovation, cultural exchange and sustainable development.
“Education builds bridges that business alone cannot build,” he noted.
“When students, researchers and entrepreneurs collaborate across borders, nations grow together.”
Concluding his address, Mr. Xu congratulated the Class of 2026 and expressed confidence that the graduates would contribute meaningfully to Ghana’s progress and the global community.
He also extended his best wishes to the newly admitted students as they begin their academic journey.
“May your future be defined not only by success but by purpose,” he said.
“The world needs leaders who will build, innovate and serve.”