33 years of transformative impact: The inspiring journey of UDS

A Humble Beginning, A Powerful Legacy

The University for Development Studies (UDS) started in Nyankpala. It had one faculty: the Faculty of Agriculture. Its goal was to tackle food security and development issues through research and training. Few expected this small start would transform tertiary education in northern Ghana.

Over the years, UDS expanded quickly. It opened campuses in Wa, Navrongo, and Tamale. The Tamale City Campus was created from a repurposed administrative complex. This campus shows UDS’s commitment to community growth.

Autonomy and Expansion: A Turning Point

In 2018, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo elevated the Wa and Navrongo Campuses to full universities. They became 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 decision recognized UDS’s success and included a promise for infrastructure support at Nyankpala Campus.

The Silver Jubilee Building: A Symbol of Progress

To fulfill that promise, the Silver Jubilee Building was commissioned. Initiated by UDS's 4th Vice-Chancellor Prof. Gabriel Ayum Teye, it was completed under current Vice-Chancellor Prof. Seidu Al-hassan.

This building symbolizes institutional growth with spacious lecture halls, staff offices, ICT labs, and conference facilities. It has helped accommodate more students due to the Free Senior High School policy.

With increased capacity, UDS introduced new programs including a Faculty of Law that welcomed over 120 students in its first year.

A Philosophy That Transforms: The TTFPP Experience

UDS is unique because of its Third Trimester Field Practical Programme (TTFPP). This program sends students into rural communities during their third trimester for hands-on experience.

For over thirty years, TTFPP has given graduates a deep understanding of Ghana’s socio-economic landscape. This makes them adaptable and willing to serve underserved areas.

Academic Excellence and Global Recognition

UDS's innovative approach has gained recognition globally. In the latest Times Higher Education rankings, it ranked 35th in Africa, 10th in West Africa, and 3rd in Ghana.

The university excels across various fields like agriculture, public health, and entrepreneurship. UDS scholars are influencing policy through groundbreaking research.

Many alumni now hold key positions in academia, civil service, and international organizations.

UDS and Sporting Glory

UDS also shines in sports by producing top athletes who represent Ghana internationally.

In 2024, the men’s football team won the African Universities Soccer Competition in Lagos. This victory qualified them for the World Universities Football Tournament in China this September.

Track athletes from UDS have competed at events like the All-African Games and Commonwealth Games.

Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Growing Future Leaders

Through its Business Innovation and Incubation Centre (BIIC), UDS empowers students as job creators instead of job seekers. Many student-led startups have emerged from this initiative.

These startups have gained recognition at competitions like the Ghana StartUp Summit and Hult Prize.

The UDS Africa Leadership Lecture Series

The annual UDS Africa Leadership Lecture Series engages critical dialogue on leadership issues across Africa.

Notable leaders such as H.E. Chief Olusegun Obasanjo from Nigeria have participated in this series.

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

Planning the Future

Like any institution, UDS faces challenges but responds promptly to them.

It acknowledges mistakes while implementing necessary reforms.

Looking ahead, plans are underway to establish new campuses in Gbanyamli near Tamale and Yendi.

These expansions aim to improve access to higher education for northern communities.

A Legacy Still Unfolding

From its beginnings at Nyankpala to becoming a multi-campus university with global recognition,

UDS remains committed to practical education that drives national development.

As it celebrates 33 years of shaping minds,

the university exemplifies visionary leadership focused on community engagement.

The story of UDS continues but already reflects resilience,
hope,
and transformation.