UDS at 33: Celebrating Transformative Impact and Excellence in Northern Ghana

In May, the University for Development Studies (UDS) in northern Ghana will celebrate its 33rd anniversary. This milestone highlights its significant role in Ghana's education.

Founded in 1992, UDS started as a vision of humility and national service. Over three decades, it has become one of Africa’s notable academic institutions.

UDS was established with prize money from an international award given to former President Jerry John Rawlings. It has grown into a symbol of hope and innovation for northern Ghana.

Humble Beginnings

Initially, UDS had just one faculty: the Faculty of Agriculture. It was located at Nyankpala in the Tolon District. The university aimed to tackle food insecurity through research and training.

Few anticipated that this small start would revolutionize tertiary education in northern Ghana. UDS expanded quickly, adding campuses in Wa, Navrongo, and Tamale. The Tamale City Campus showcases UDS’s commitment to community growth.

Autonomy and Institutional Growth

A key moment came in 2018 when Wa and Navrongo campuses became autonomous institutions. They were renamed Simon Diedong Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies (SDD-UBIDS) and C.K. Tedam University of Technology and Applied Sciences (CKT-UTAS).

This change recognized UDS’s achievements and included a promise to improve infrastructure at Nyankpala Campus.

The Silver Jubilee Building: A Symbol of Progress

The Silver Jubilee Building was completed as part of this promise. Initiated by Professor Gabriel Ayum Teye, it was finished under current Vice-Chancellor Professor Seidu Al-Hassan.

This modern facility includes lecture theatres, staff offices, ICT labs, and conference rooms. It has increased the university's capacity significantly. Notably, it allowed for the introduction of a new Faculty of Law with over 120 students enrolled.

TTFPP: A Model for Community Engagement

One unique aspect of UDS is its Third Trimester Field Practical Programme (TTFPP). In this program, students work on development projects in rural communities during their final trimester.

For over 30 years, TTFPP has produced graduates who understand Ghana’s socio-economic challenges. These graduates are solution-oriented and ready to serve underserved areas.

Academic Excellence and Global Recognition

UDS’s innovative approach has gained recognition globally. In recent Times Higher Education rankings, it placed 35th in Africa and 3rd in Ghana.

Its achievements cover agriculture, climate resilience, public health, and entrepreneurship. UDS researchers influence policy while alumni hold key positions across various sectors.

Sporting Excellence

UDS also excels in sports. The university has developed athletes who compete internationally at events like the All-Africa Games.

In 2024, the men’s football team won the African Universities Soccer Competition in Lagos. They will represent Africa at the World Universities Football Tournament in China this September.

Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Through its Business Innovation and Incubation Centre (BIIC), UDS encourages student entrepreneurship. Many student-led startups have emerged from this initiative.

These startups have received accolades at competitions like the Ghana Startup Summit and Hult Prize events.

Thought Leadership: The UDS Africa Lecture Series

UDS hosts an annual Africa Leadership Lecture Series to discuss leadership issues on the continent. Esteemed leaders such as Chief Olusegun Obasanjo have participated.

The next edition will take place on April 25th, 2025 with Her Majesty Queen Nozizwe Mulela of Eswatini as a speaker.

Planning the Future

Looking ahead, UDS plans to open new campuses at Gbanyamli near Tamale and Yendi in Northern Region. These expansions aim to ease congestion at existing campuses while increasing access to higher education for underserved communities.

A Legacy of Transformation

From its beginnings at Nyankpala to becoming a multi-campus institution with global recognition, UDS remains committed to practical education that drives national development. Its journey mirrors Ghana's own resilience story.

As it celebrates 33 years of impact on minds and communities, UDS exemplifies visionary leadership and dedication to development.