Denu Scholar Tops University of Cape Coast Graduating Class

Cudjoe Martin, a native of Denu in Ghana’s Volta Region, has emerged as the University of Cape Coast’s (UCC) overall best graduating student, achieving a near-perfect cumulative grade point average of 3.9.

His academic excellence earned him valedictorian honors during the 57th Congregation ceremonies for the College of Distance Education (CoDE), a milestone highlighting his dedication to balancing education with personal responsibilities.

Martin’s journey began in local schools, including Kasoa Methodist Basic School and Steps to Christ Preparatory School, before he advanced to Potsin T.I. Ahmadiyya Senior High School. Opting for UCC’s distance learning program, he pursued a Bachelor of Commerce in Management, overcoming the challenges of remote study while managing other commitments. His success underscores the growing role of flexible education models in expanding access to higher learning.

An active member of the Christian Fellowship Church, Martin credits his resilience to faith and mentorship from figures like Professor Philip Ebow Bondzi-Simpson, founding dean of UCC’s Law Faculty. Outside academics, he balances his passion for football supporting Asante Kotoko and Chelsea FC with reading and music, interests he says provide clarity amid rigorous study schedules.

The achievement not only celebrates individual triumph but also reflects broader opportunities within Ghana’s educational landscape. Distance learning programs, often chosen by students juggling work or familial duties, have become critical in democratizing access to quality education. Martin’s story resonates particularly in regions where socioeconomic barriers often hinder academic pursuits, offering a blueprint for perseverance.

As UCC honors its top graduate, Martin’s journey from Denu to distinction serves as a reminder of the transformative power of education when coupled with determination. His legacy may inspire future cohorts to leverage available resources, proving that geographic and logistical challenges need not limit academic excellence.