Lancaster University Ghana proudly celebrates the academic achievements of its alumni, 2024 Valedictorian Ahmed Darkye, Ralph Mensah, and Ivan Kounte, who have officially graduated from Lancaster University UK after completing their postgraduate studies.
Ahmed Darkye and Ralph Mensah completed an MSc in Cyber Security, while Ivan Kounte graduated with an MSc in Data Science. All three began their academic journeys at Lancaster University Ghana, where they earned undergraduate degrees in Computer Science, before progressing to postgraduate study within the global Lancaster University network.
Their achievements reflect the strength of Lancaster University Ghana’s academic foundation and its role in preparing students for advanced study and global opportunities.
Speaking about his experience, Ahmed described the MSc Cyber Security programme as rigorous and immersive. The programme comprised nine modules, eight assessed modules and a dissertation, with each module delivered intensively over four weeks. Teaching combined lectures with hands-on laboratory sessions focused on real-world technical application. Assessments included essays, coding tasks, presentations, tests, and recorded group video submissions, with the programme relying entirely on continuous assessment rather than written examinations.
A major component of the programme was the dissertation, which carried 60 credits and spanned the second and third academic terms. Students worked closely with academic supervisors through regular meetings to develop and refine their research. The programme concluded with a viva, during which students defended their research before academic assessors. Students also had the option to pursue an industry-linked placement or a research project aligned with their supervisor’s expertise.
Ahmed further highlighted the programme’s strong emphasis on academic integrity, particularly regarding the responsible use of artificial intelligence tools, guided by clear institutional policies. Beyond academics, both Ahmed and Ralph described the learning environment as highly supportive, noting that lecturers were approachable and committed to student success.
For Lancaster University Ghana, the accomplishments of Ahmed Darkye, Ralph Mensah, and Ivan Kounte underscore the institution’s mission to nurture globally competitive graduates. As members of the Lancaster alumni community, their journeys continue to inspire current and prospective students to pursue academic excellence and international opportunities.
The LUG community congratulates all three graduates on this significant milestone and wishes them continued success in their respective fields.
