By Rafiq Nungor ADAM
The Simon Diedong Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies (SDD-UBIDS) has held its maiden graduation ceremony for a total of 2,321 students who successfully completed their PhDs, Master’s degrees and diploma programmes at the university in their third congregation.
Located at Wa in the Upper West Region, SDD-UBIDS was established in 2019 out of the then University for Development Studies (UDS) to operate as a full-fledged university through enactment of the Simon Diedong Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies Act, 2019 (Act 1001).
Chairperson of the university’s Governing Council, Kweku Yemoah Paintsil Esq., in his opening speech, expressed gratitude to the university’s faculty and staff for their efforts, saying: “We cannot forget the tireless efforts of our dedicated faculty and staff, whose commitment to excellence in teaching, research and mentorship has been the cornerstone of this institution’s success.” He also expressed hope that the graduates will go on to become entrepreneurs.
“We are confident that you will go on to become the entrepreneurs, educators, policymakers and leaders who help shape the future of our country, our continent and the world. The knowledge and skills you have gained here will serve as tools for your success, but it is the values you have cultivated that will set you apart as the next generation of change-makers.”
Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Emmanuel K. Deribile, in his welcome address pointed out the infrastructure challenges. “As you may be aware, one of the university’s bigger challenges is the huge infrastructure deficit arising from funding challenges. We are grateful to government for starting some GETFUND projects and granting us appropriate clearance for the projects’ completion.
“We have engaged with contractors and we appreciate the commitment to investing and completion of these projects. Nonetheless, the biggest challenge is the delay in payment of certificates by the GETFund.”
He also added that the graduates are not just graduating with degrees but also with the capacity to lead, innovate and contribute in society’s progress.
The Upper West regional minister Stephen Yakubu in his speech – read on his behalf by the Wa municipal chief executive Isshaku Tahiru Moomin – noted that they will work hard to address challenges facing their universities, including infrastructure deficits, and ensure their institutions remain centres of excellence.
The valedictorian – Meela Bernard Bieniyir, who graduated with a CGPA of 4.82 – noted the university’s vast land.
“The university’s expansive land reserve presents a blank canvas for visionary development projects: such as establishing state-of-the-art infrastructure, including cutting-edge research facilities, modern lecture halls, hostels and innovative laboratories; and creating green spaces to foster a sustainable and eco-friendly environment.”
