The University for Development Studies (UDS) has been ranked 3rd best university in Ghana, after the University of Ghana and the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology and 58th in Sub-Saharan Africa. This follows a conscious effort by University Authorities to place UDS on the international map as well as to compete favourably, with the traditional universities.
These revelations were made by the immediate past vice-chancellor, Prof. Haruna Yakubu at a brief but well attended Ceremony which also witnessed the handover of office to the newly appointed vice-chancellor, Prof. Gabriel Ayum Teye.
According to Prof. Yakubu, when he assumed office as vice-chancellor of the University five years ago, UDS was lowly ranked both locally and internationally and generally regarded as a ‘tribal University’. This necessitated the review of strategy and the introduction of measures and programmes such as the establishment of UDS International Directorate to create international linkages, as well as the institutionalisation of the Africa Leadership Lectures, which helped to enhance the image of the university. The former vice-chancellor expressed his gratitude to the University’s Management for their unflinching support and cooperation which culminated in the strides the university had chalked.
Prof. Gabriel Ayum Teye, the new vice-chancellor stated that he was overwhelmed with congratulatory messages following his appointment, which in his opinion was a reminder of the huge task ahead. He noted that his immediate predecessor had chalked enormous success over the period and urged other principal officers, deans and directors to team up with him to not only consolidate the gains made, but to break new grounds.
Other speakers including the registrar, Dr. A.B.T Zakariah and some deans and directors took turns to express appreciation to the out gone vice-chancellor for creating an enabling environment for them to contribute their quota towards higher education delivery and to pledge their support to the new vice-chancellor.
