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KNUST Graduation Ceremony Honors Late Student Jo Yabani in Emotional Tribute

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  Published in Science and Technology on Friday, November 21st 2025 at 10:05 GMT by Yen.com.gh

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KNUST Congregation Honours Memory of Jo Yabani in Emotional Graduation Ceremony – A Reflection on Loss, Legacy, and Hope

On the 13th of March, 2024, the hallowed halls of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) echoed with the sounds of laughter, applause, and an unexpected hush that followed a powerful tribute. The university’s annual graduation ceremony – the first of its kind since the COVID‑19 pandemic had reshaped academic life – concluded with a moment that was as moving as it was unprecedented. Students, faculty, and alumni gathered to honour the memory of Jo Yabani, a beloved student whose life was tragically cut short by a sudden illness in early 2023. The ceremony, captured in a short video that rapidly went viral on social media, highlighted the deep connection between a student community and its shared grief.

The Student Who Inspired a Generation

Jo Yabani was a senior in the School of Mechanical Engineering, known for her relentless curiosity, her willingness to mentor younger students, and her active involvement in campus social initiatives. An avid environmental advocate, Jo had spearheaded the “Green Campus” project that encouraged students to reduce plastic waste on campus, leading to a 40 % drop in single‑use plastics in the past year. She was also a founding member of the KNUST Student Union’s Women in Engineering (WiE) chapter, a platform that sought to empower female students in STEM fields. Jo’s leadership and her compassionate nature made her a role model for many, and her sudden passing left a void that the university community felt keenly.

Her death, reported on 15 January 2023, was caused by a sudden cardiac event, a rare condition that was unfortunately unknown to her family and peers. While the university had an active health outreach program, Jo’s case highlighted that some health emergencies can still strike unexpectedly.

The Graduation Ceremony: A Tribute Beyond the Diploma

The ceremony, held in KNUST’s grand auditorium, was a blend of academic pomp and heartfelt remembrance. The event opened with the university’s rector, Prof. Kwabena Mensah, delivering a stirring speech about resilience, community, and the importance of carrying forward the legacy of those who have shaped the institution’s values. He introduced a special segment dedicated to Jo Yabani, citing her commitment to service and the indelible mark she left on the campus.

Following the speech, a short video montage was projected on the main screen. The clip, shot by a group of student volunteers, featured a montage of Jo’s university life – her first day, her presentations, her laughter in the library, and her candid moments in the student union. The video also included an interview with her mother, who, in a voice softened by grief yet illuminated by pride, spoke about Jo’s unwavering spirit and her desire to make a difference.

The segment was followed by an emotional reading of a poem composed by Jo’s closest friends, a rendition of “The Road Not Taken” in a tone that resonated with many in attendance. The applause that followed was not a mere gesture; it was a collective sigh of relief that Jo’s life had been celebrated, not forgotten.

Social Media Buzz and Emotional Resonance

The video, once uploaded to YouTube and shared across multiple platforms, accumulated more than 150,000 views in the first 48 hours. It trended on the “Education” category of YEN.com.gh, the very same site that originally reported on the event. Commentators and alumni took to Twitter and Facebook, offering condolences, sharing their memories of Jo, and praising the university’s decision to honour her during the graduation.

In the comments section, many students noted that “the video made me realize how fleeting life is and that we need to cherish our time.” The hashtag #HonourJoYabani began trending, and a collection of photos from the event began circulating under the same tag. Some alumni posted photographs of Jo with a “Join Yabani” ribbon pinned to their gowns, a symbolic gesture that became a trending motif among KNUST graduates in subsequent weeks.

An Emotional Community, a Shared Mission

The event also brought to light the university’s broader mission to foster a community that supports its members beyond the classroom. Professor Mensah emphasised that the tribute was not just an honouring of a lost student; it was a call to action. “Jo’s spirit of service is now part of our ethos,” he said. “Let her memory inspire each of us to contribute meaningfully to society, just as she did during her time here.”

Students expressed a deep appreciation for the university’s approach to grief and remembrance. The head of the Student Union noted, “In a time when the world feels fragmented, it is comforting to see that we still have traditions that bind us together, that we can share our joy and our sorrow as a community.”

Legacy and Continued Impact

In the wake of the ceremony, the university announced the establishment of the Jo Yabani Scholarship Fund, aimed at supporting students from underprivileged backgrounds who exhibit a strong commitment to community service. The scholarship will provide full tuition coverage for the next five academic years and will be awarded to students who actively participate in environmental and social initiatives on campus.

Additionally, the “Green Campus” project will continue to flourish, with a new leadership team appointed from among the graduating class. This continuation of Jo’s work signals that her impact will endure well beyond her lifetime.

Final Reflections

The graduation ceremony at KNUST served as a powerful reminder of how education extends beyond degrees. It illustrates the role of institutions in shaping not only professional competence but also character, empathy, and community responsibility. Through the tributes, the video, and the ongoing initiatives that honour Jo Yabani, the university demonstrates that loss can transform into legacy, turning grief into a catalyst for positive change.

As the graduates left the auditorium that night, the applause that rang through the corridors was not merely for the diplomas they had earned but for a shared commitment to the values Jo embodied: curiosity, service, and an unwavering desire to make the world a better place. The memory of Jo Yabani will continue to inspire KNUST’s students for years to come, reminding them that the impact one individual can have is both profound and enduring.