A former General Arts student who self-studied Physics and Chemistry to pursue engineering has defied the odds to emerge as Valedictorian of the College of Engineering, graduating with a CWA of 86.75.
Otuo Serebour’s path to engineering excellence was anything but conventional. Unlike most of his colleagues who came from science backgrounds, he began his academic journey in General Arts.
In his final year of senior high school, he developed an interest in engineering and decided to pursue it. To gain admission, he spent six months learning Physics and Chemistry on his own.
“I studied General Arts for three years in SHS. Engineering students are not from General Arts backgrounds, so I had to go back for about six months to study physics and chemistry. Competing in the class and college with those who had studied science for three years, some of them even competing in the NSMQ, I was intimidated at times,” he said.
The experience strengthened rather than diminished his motivation.
“I felt my background wasn’t really cut out for it, but then I worked hard and used that as motivation to put in extra effort,” he said.
A major influence in his academic formation was Rev. Vincent Acquaah, whose demanding teaching style helped shape his discipline.
“Rev. Vincent Acquaah is very strict. Preparing for his lectures, his discipline and strictness shaped the way we approached engineering, with precision, accuracy and discipline.”
When the name Opoku Ware Otuo Serebour was announced as the Valedictorian of the College of Engineering, graduating with a CWA of 86.75 from the Department of Civil Engineering, he could hardly believe it.
“I was stunned,” he said with a smile. “Towards the end of my academic career, I was expecting it to some extent. However, when it happened, I was astonished because I believe there are others who were much better. I was humbled, astonished and grateful to God.”
He described the achievement as the climax of a journey filled with uncertainty, determination and faith.
“When I started, I never imagined I would even top my class. It was nothing I could imagine in my wildest dream. In second year, when the College released the list and I topped it, I was shocked. Me, a General Arts student from SHS topping the College of Engineering.”
Reflecting on what kept him grounded throughout his journey, he offered encouragement to students who may be doubting their potential.
“Do not allow your background to make you feel like you are not cut out for greatness or success. We only have one shot at life, and we need to make the best use of it. Do you want to be great, or you want to be good? If you want to be great, then you have to put in more effort, stay focused and avoid comparing yourself unnecessarily with others.”
Story by: Abena Serwaa Gyamfi
Photo by: Isaac Kwaku Duah
