Tag: UDS

A high-powered delegation from the University for Development Studies (UDS) on Wednesday, May 22, 2025, paid a courtesy call on the Minister for Sports and Recreation, Hon. Kofi Adams, to formally inform him of the university’s unprecedented triumph at the 2024 FASU Games in Lagos, Nigeria, where UDS emerged as African football champions, becoming the first Ghanaian University to win that title.

The Pro-Vice Chancellor of UDS, Professor Elliot Haruna Alhassan, who led the delegation, disclosed that by virtue of that historic victory, UDS has earned the honour of representing the African continent at the FISU World University Football Cup, scheduled to be held in China in September 2025.

“The purpose of our visit is two-fold,” Prof. Alhassan noted. First, to extend our warm congratulations to you on your appointment as Minister for Sports and Recreation. Second, to share the good news that UDS has lifted the flag of Ghana high in Africa and is now preparing to carry the banner of the entire continent at the global stage.”

Prof. Alhassan reminded the Minister of his deep-rooted ties with UDS, noting his close association with the late former President J.J. Rawlings, who played a pivotal role in the establishment of the University.

In his response, Hon. Kofi Adams warmly welcomed the delegation and expressed appreciation for the recognition and visit.

“I am truly honoured by your presence,” the Minister said. “Let me congratulate the entire UDS community for this incredible achievement. You have not only made Ghana proud, but you have brought pride to the continent. I am confident you will go even further and make Africa proud in China.”

While acknowledging the financial constraints currently facing the Ministry, including longstanding arrears owed to coaches of the senior national football team, Hon. Adams assured the delegation of the Ministry’s commitment to supporting the UDS team.

“We will do our best to support your preparations for the World Cup. I will personally engage corporate Ghana to explore sponsorship opportunities for the team. Government is also putting plans in place to establish a National Sports Fund to cater for such needs in the future,” he stated.

The Minister also revealed plans to liaise with the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to create opportunities for UDS to engage in friendly matches as part of their preparation for the global tournament.

Hon. Adams used the occasion to commend the innovative course model adopted by UDS, which blends practical sports training with academic instruction. “UDS is setting the pace,” he said. “Many universities are now following your example, and that’s exactly how we bridge the gap between academia and the world of work.”

He further emphasized the importance of university sports in national development, noting that sports not only foster unity and discipline but also open doors to international exposure and opportunities for students.

The UDS delegation included the University Registrar, Mr. Nurudeen Issah Abubakar, the Director of Sports, Mr. Shaibu Ibrahim Tanko, and key members of the University’s Sports Advisory Committee, Dr. Alhassan Iddrisu and Mr. Yussif Abdulai as well as the Director of Public Affairs, Mr. Abdul Hayi Moomen.

The meeting concluded with mutual commitments to deepen collaboration between the Ministry and UDS as preparations intensify for the 2025 World University Football Cup.

UDS remains the first Ghanaian university to win the FASU football tournament, and the only institution set to fly Africa’s flag at the upcoming global university football championship.

Story By Abdul Moomen | gbcghanaonline

The atmosphere at the University for Development Studies (UDS) Tamale Campus was electric with excitement, pride, and celebration on Saturday, April 26, 2025, as thousands gathered at the University’s Multipurpose Auditorium for the highly anticipated April 2025 Graduation Ceremony.

With brilliant sunshine bathing the sprawling campus, the venue was adorned with UDS colors, flowing banners, and flower arrangements that set the stage for a truly memorable occasion. Families, friends, and members of the academic community filled the auditorium to capacity, cheering and waving in celebration as the graduands, clad in flowing academic gowns, beamed with joy and anticipation.

The ceremony was graced by a distinguished array of dignitaries, including the newly appointed Chairman of the University Governing Council, Ambassador Abdulai Salifu; Her Majesty Queen Nozizwe Pearl Mulela, Managing Director of Eswatini Bank and wife of His Majesty King Misuzulu KaZwelithini of the Zulu Nation in South Africa; the Deputy Director-General of the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission, Professor Augustine Ocloo; members of the UDS Governing Council; Professor Albert Luguterah, Vice-Chancellor of the C. K. Tedam University of Technology and Applied Sciences; former principal officers of UDS; and other eminent guests.

Addressing the University community for the very first time in his capacity as Chairman of the Governing Council, Ambassador Abdulai Salifu commended the outgoing Council for their tremendous work and assured the gathering that the new Governing Council would work diligently to uphold and even elevate the standards set by their predecessors.

In a moment of deep emotion and gratitude, Dr. Emmanuel Djaban, the valedictorian, delivered a stirring speech on behalf of his fellow graduands. He expressed heartfelt appreciation to lecturers, administrators, and supervisors for their unwavering support, guidance, and dedication, which culminated in the successes celebrated on this proud day.

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Seidu Al-Hassan, in a reflective and inspiring address, emphasized the theme of perseverance and transformation. He congratulated the 2,630 graduands, who included 372 postgraduates and 2,258 undergraduates, with the postgraduate cohort boasting 26 PhD recipients. He highlighted with particular pride the landmark achievement at the Bachelor’s level, where, for the first time, female graduands (55.1%) outnumbered their male counterparts—a significant step towards gender parity in higher education.

Professor Al-Hassan lauded the University’s remarkable progress, noting strategic milestones such as a new partnership with Beijing Foreign Studies University in China, the successful delivery of the 7th Africa Leadership Lecture Series by Her Majesty Queen Nozizwe Pearl Mulela, Infrastructure development projects, including the near-completed Nursing and Midwifery Block, two 300-seater auditoriums, and a modern Dissection and Laboratory Complex, the official opening of the Campus Model Pharmacy on the Tamale Campus, UDS’ advancement to 3rd place nationally and 35th in Sub-Saharan Africa in the 2024 Times Higher Education Rankings. He also highlighted groundbreaking achievements in women’s technical education, student leadership initiatives that prioritized student welfare, and the remarkable national appointments of UDS faculty members, all testifying to UDS’s reputation as a powerhouse of national development.

The high point of the event was the conferment of an Honorary Doctorate Degree on Majesty Queen Nozizwe Pearl Mulela, and citation presented to her read in part that “In 2022, you shattered a six-decade ceiling to become the first woman appointed Managing Director of Eswatini Bank, an historic ascent that reflects your trailblazing spirit and unyielding resolve.

In short address, the queen thanked the university for the honour. The President of the Alumni Association, Prof. Terry Ansah presented gift items on behalf of the alumni association to signify that she is now a member.

Individual students and groups that excelled during their deployment on the Third Trimester Field Practical Programme (TTFPP) as well as student leaders who showed exceptional leadership skills were honoured with citations and various amounts of money.

There was collective celebration as the names of the graduands were called, and degrees were conferred amidst resounding applause, ululations, and heartfelt embraces.

As the sun set over the Tamale skyline, leaving a golden hue across the campus, it was clear that the April 2025 Graduation Ceremony was not just an academic ritual, it was a powerful statement of UDS’ enduring legacy and a radiant beacon for the future of Ghana and Africa.

Story by:
Abdul Hayi Moomen
UDS Media