The SDD University of Business and Integrated Development Studies (SDD-UBIDS) recently held its maiden graduation ceremony for the first cohort of the School of Law. Additionally, a special graduation ceremony was held for the School of Graduate Studies and Research. This marks a significant achievement for both the university and northern Ghana, as it is the first time in the region’s academic history that a university has conferred Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degrees.
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Celebrating the Graduates
A total of 61 students graduated from the School of Law, including 55 males and six females. Meanwhile, 74 postgraduate students, comprising 63 males and 11 females, graduated from the School of Graduate Studies, earning degrees in PhD, MPhil, and MSc programs. The School of Law currently has a total of 464 students across various levels of study.
Commitment to Excellence and National Development
Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Professor Emmanuel K. Derbile, Vice Chancellor of SDD-UBIDS, hailed the event as a groundbreaking achievement for the university, northern Ghana, and the country as a whole. He expressed the university’s continued commitment to academic excellence, innovative research, and aligning its vision with national development goals and global trends.
Professor Derbile also commended key individuals such as Professor John Baloro, the current Consultant Dean of the School of Law, and Professor Atua Appiah-Agyei, the former Consultant Dean, for their pivotal roles in ensuring the school’s success.
Shaping the Future of Governance and Justice
Dr. Benjamin Kunbuor, Chairman of the SDD-UBIDS Governing Council, emphasised the critical role that the graduating law students would play in strengthening governance, ensuring justice, and shaping public policy. He highlighted the importance of the justice and legal sectors in ensuring accountability and fairness for citizens. However, he also noted the ongoing challenges in the judicial process, including delays and uncertainties, which have led to perceptions of politicisation. He stressed the need for reforms to restore confidence in the judiciary.
A Young University with Big Achievements
Professor Augustine Ocloo, Deputy Director-General of the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), representing the Minister of Education, praised SDD-UBIDS for its achievements, despite being a relatively young university. He highlighted the university’s success in training both undergraduate law students and postgraduate students, which he described as a remarkable feat considering the challenges faced by the institution.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Legal Professionals
His Lordship Barima Yaw Kodie, Director of Legal Education and Director of the School of Law, encouraged the graduates to strive to join the Bar and contribute to the country’s legal landscape. He assured them that their prospects at the Bar would not only transform their lives but also enable them to contribute to the nation’s development.
A Step Toward Decentralising Legal Education
In a speech read on his behalf, Charles Lwanga Puozuing (Esq), the Upper West Regional Minister, noted that the establishment of the SDD-UBIDS Law School was a significant step in decentralising legal education in Ghana, providing more opportunities for aspiring lawyers in the northern region.
Celebrating Academic Excellence
The valedictory speech was delivered by Ms. Sherita Agnes Asaa Kwakye, the only student graduating with First Class Honours from the School of Law. The ceremony also featured the participation of prominent guests, including executives from the Ghana Bar Association (GBA), led by its National President, Mrs. Effuah Ghartey (Esq.), and Supreme Court Justice Yonny Kulendi, as well as the former Dean of the University of Ghana School of Law, Professor Raymond Atuguba.
Conclusion: A Bright Future Ahead
The maiden graduation of SDD-UBIDS’ School of Law is a historic milestone for both the university and the region. As these graduates step into the legal profession, they are poised to make significant contributions to the legal and governance frameworks of Ghana, ensuring justice, fairness, and policy reforms for the nation’s future.
