GOAT Setornam: Sharks Quiz Prodigy Makes History At Academic City University

The quiet, polished young man was the toast of the 5th Commencement Ceremony of Academic City University (ACU) as his record-breaking all-A’s resume in four years was announced to an enthusiastic audience.

With a staggering overall average of 91.91, Setornam had done what no man or woman had come close to doing in the seventeen-year history of the university.

In recognition of this stellar performance, he was named Valedictorian of the Class of 2026 Commencement Ceremony at a colourful event held at the university’s campus at Haatso, Accra.

For those who are hearing the name Setornam Koku Dedey for the first time, this latest achievement may seem like a bolt from the blue.

But for the ATDP-organisers of the Sharks Quiz and the Senior Sharks fraternity, his revelation at the ACU as the brightest young mind among the latest cohort of graduating students is not surprising.

Setornam not only won the Senior Sharks 5, but was also adjudged the Best in Numeracy and MVP of the competition, proof of his exceptional abilities.

With a BSc. in Electrical and Electronic Engineering degree from the 2nd best-ranked private university in Ghana under his belt, the talent cultivated in the precincts of the Senior Sharks Quiz is future-ready to reach greater heights in engineering.

Amazing Senior Sharks 5 Run By Setornam And St. Peter’s

Setornam was a man on a mission as he and St. Peter’s made their grand appearance in Season 5 of the Senior Sharks Quiz.

St. Peter’s SHS had not come within the vicinity of the grand finale in their previous attempts so naturally they were not reckoned among the favourites.

But that was just the motivation they needed, as they surged toward the grand finale with delightful performances in their contests.

First, St. Peter’s took the wind out of the sails of bitter rivals, Pope John SHS and Minor Seminary, to kick them out of the competition.

They then met Keta Senior High Technical School, another team with an indomitable spirit and expertly sent them back into the Volta.

St. Peter’s were not done, as they went on to deny Season 2 winners, Opoku Ware School, the chance to make it to their second finals.

However, when facing the behemoths of the most innovative high school quiz - Presec, Legon, in the grand finale, many did not give Setornam and St. Peter’s a dog’s chance.

With Setornam as the expert in Numeracy and the tormentor-in-chief of the team, though, St. Peter’s had other ideas, as they mapped out a perfect strategy that effectively shackled the Presecans.

Presidential Scholarship To Academic City University

The long-standing tradition of the ATDP, the organisers of the Senior Sharks Quiz of providing scholarships and other forms of educational sponsorships to participants of the Sharks Quiz continued in Senior Sharks 5.

After shortlisting contestants and subjecting the finalists to a rigorous selection process, Setornam emerged as the best fit candidate for a full-ride scholarship from Academic City University.

Truly, there couldn’t have been a more worthy candidate for this life-changing opportunity from Academic City University, a proud sponsor of the Senior Sharks Quiz.

Setornam Koku Dedey grabbed the offer with both hands to pursue a BSc. Electrical and Electronic Engineering for his undergraduate programme.

The $40,000 worth scholarship package, included full tuition coverage, accommodation, books, and a feeding allowance for the four years of study.

Valedictorian Message By Setornam

As Valedictorian, Setornam delivered an inspiring speech to the historic 2026 graduating class of Academic City University.

He traced his steps back four years when he first encountered the cloisters of the Academic City University, after receiving a Presidential Scholarship from the university.

Sporting an academic gown with dominant red and black fringes, cap, and a beautiful Kente-themed sash to match, Setornam walked up to deliver his Valedictorian speech to a standing ovation.

As he strode triumphantly to the microphone, Setornam acknowledged the deafening cheers with broad smiles, his tell that he knew history had been made.

“It is both a privilege and a profound honour

to stand before you as valedictorian of this remarkable class,” he allowed.

With humility and obedience to his maker, Setornam submitted to the omnipresence of God during the four years that were filled with high and low moments.

According to Setornam, there were times of deep uncertainties, bouts of challenges and frightening occasions that left him with a deep sense of foreboding.

“And yet, through every one of those moments, I found that his love and guidance never failed, even when I did”, he disclosed.

He continued by thanking the President of the ACU, Prof. Fred McBagonluri, Staff and Management, for building a world-class environment that truly nurtures excellence, innovation and growth.

Setornam also singled out for more praise the impact the scholarship he received has made in his life, saying, “As a recipient of the Presidential Scholarship, I have experienced firsthand what it means to be invested in. The support I received, particularly with accommodation and meals, lifted real, daily burdens and gave me the freedom to focus fully on becoming who I was”.

He thanked the lecturers, faculty assistants, and administrative staff, for their dedication and support that extended far beyond the lecture halls and office hours.

To the Student and Community Affairs Office where he had the privilege to intern, he concluded with these words, “The lessons I gained there about service, professionalism, and people have quietly shaped me in ways I am still discovering”.

The Academic City University Class of 2026 graduation ceremony was held on Friday, June 5, 2026. Over 700 graduates successfully tossed their caps to celebrate their milestone at the campus grounds in Haatso, Accra.

The Guest of Honour was Alhaji Mahama Iddrisu, Former Minister of Defence, with Bernard Avle, General Manager of Citi FM and Channel One TV, as the Keynote Speaker.

The Senior Sharks Quiz is proud to be associated with Setornam’s rich academic credentials, and it is our fervent prayer that the sky will only be the limit.

By Ebow Hagan