Some Ghanaian adults cite age and family responsibilities as reasons that discourage them from pursuing higher education or studying at even the lower levels.
But Mr. Joseph Aheto, father of the Acting Vice-Chancellor of UCC, Prof. Denis Aheto, defied all these and graduated in MBA Entrepreneurship and Small Enterprise Development Studies at the advanced age of 81 in December 2025, during the 9th session of the 58th congregation of the university.
“I feel very much excited to have my own son graduating me,” Mr Aheto, who had his first degree in Business Administration from the University of Ghana in 1978, proudly said.
Speaking to the press, Mr. Aheto said he was inspired to pursue further studies when he realised his two sons - who are all professors- were overtaking him and decided to study the MBA program which he started in 2022, when his son was not the Pro Vice-Chancellor and Acting Vice-Chancellor.
Mr. Joseph Aheto with high level UCC officials and lecturers
Mr. Aheto, stated that apart from the grace of God which made this feat possible, his family, course mates and lecturers also motivated him to push on.
“When I enrolled and commenced lectures, many of the younger students in my class were surprised and were laughing and mocking me that what at all does this old man wants in life. But that didn't deter me. I soldered on and now I have graduated.
According to him, no one should feel too old to go to school as learning remains a life-long adventure.
Recounting his campus days, he said felt uneasy in the first months at lecture halls.
"Sitting down for lectures for many hours proved very challenging, considering my age. I had pains in my foot and waist from the long hours of sitting. But after a few months, I adjusted to the system and gradually shrugged them off and moved on,” he added.
Mr. Aheto, who was a class teacher in 1966 before relocating to Nsawam , urged all the graduates to concentrate on their life’s endeavour.
He advised the younger ones that " Every student who is aspiring to be someone in future should work hard. Whatever you do , do it with resilience and hard work.
The Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof Denis Aheto, commended the tenacity and resilience his father to pursue further studies.
He urged the younger ones to eschew the get-rich quick syndrome and strive to pursue further studies.
"Age can never be a limit to education. Old age is about mindset. We need to re-conform as a society."