Young African man who worked as bus conductor to pay his school fees finally bags first-class bachelors degree, wins best student award

A young African man named Richard Baku who worked as a bus conductor to pay his school fees has finally bagged a bachelor’s degree with first-class honors at the University of Education, Winneba (UEW) in Ghana.

Richard, a Ghanian who juggled schooling with working as a bus doctor graduated with a first-class bachelor’s degree in Physics Education at the University of Education, Winneba (UEW).

He obtained the degree with a remarkable 3.94 over 4.00 cumulative grade point earning him the valedictorian award of the university’s 2023 graduating class.

The university website reports that Richard worked as a bus conductor for four years to overcome financial constraints, highlighting the challenges he faced during the academic journey.

Despite receiving financial sponsorship from the Ghana Scholarship Secretariat in his second year, Richard said that additional financial burdens persisted which was why he continued working as a bus conductor during semester breaks.

Recognizing Richard’s dedication to university education, the Ghana Scholarship Secretariat awarded him with a bursary award which he said was a testament to his strong commitment to learning and self-improvement.

Speaking at his graduation ceremony, Richard stated that graduating as the school’s valedictorian was a dream he never envisioned. ”I am truly honored to address you on this special occasion and deliver the valedictory speech on behalf of the graduating class of 2023,” Richard said.

”Becoming the valedictorian of the 28th Congregation of our esteemed university was a dream I never envisioned when I first stepped foot within the revered gates of this institution,” he added.

Richard mentioned one of the challenges they faced was the transition to remote learning as they were in their first year when the pandemic hit. He said the transition to online learning, coupled with financial constraints on internet access, created additional hurdles but they persevered.

“We were in the first year during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, and this compelled us to adapt to an unprecedented new normal,” Richard said.

”The transition to online learning, coupled with financial constraints on internet access, created additional hurdles. However, the graduating class persevered, adapting to the virtual environment, and overcoming technological challenges,” he added.

Richard expressed his gratitude to the university management, faculty members, and heads of department, especially his supervisor. He also thanked his family, friends, guardians, and classmates, for their unwavering support.

Advising his fellow graduates, he encouraged them to dream bravely, work diligently, and remain staunch in their faith.

Looking forward, Richard said he wants to contribute to the fields of Medical Physics and Lecturing significantly. He aims to address underlying challenges in Education, Science, and Technology in Ghana and beyond.