Graduation: 81-Year-Old Man Earns MBA at University Where Son Is the VC in Heartwarming Ceremony

In a moving commencement event at the University of Cape Coast (UCC), 81-year-old Joseph Aheto received a Master of Business Administration in Entrepreneurship and Small Enterprise Development. The graduation took place during the university’s 58th congregation in December 2025, creating a particularly memorable moment: Mr. Aheto was presented his degree by his own son, Professor Denis Aheto, the Acting Vice-Chancellor of UCC.

“I feel tremendously excited to be graduated today by my own son,” the proud father shared.

This recent accomplishment continues a lifelong pursuit of learning. Mr. Aheto had first earned a degree in Business Administration from the University of Ghana back in 1978. Decades later, he decided to return to academia, driven in part by the achievements of his two sons, both of whom are professors. Rather than seeing their success as a barrier, he viewed it as motivation to further his own education.

He enrolled in the MBA program in 2022, noting that he began his studies before his son assumed leadership roles at UCC. His path back to the classroom came with challenges, including occasional mockery from younger classmates who questioned his age. However, his determination never wavered.

“That didn’t deter me,” he stated. “I soldiered on, and now I have graduated.”

Mr. Aheto’s story stands as a powerful testament to the enduring value of education and lifelong ambition.