The University for Development Studies (UDS) has graduated 3,048 undergraduate, diploma and post graduate students for 2015 with one Clement Abugri emerging as the overall best student.
He received a cash amount almost Ghc8, 000.00 for various categories and other valuables.
The graduands from the UDS multi campuses were awarded MSc, Mphil and PHD degrees.
The Northern Regional Minister tasked the graduands to be self disciplined and serve as Ambassadors of change in their communities.
He also implored the university authorities to produce students who will provide sustainable solutions to the nation’s myriad socio-economic challenges.
Alhaji Limuna reiterated government’s commitment to improve the educational sector.
He said the UDS was top on government’s priority list so far as the transformational agenda of the Savannah Ecological zone is concerned.
The UDS Vice Chancellor, Professor Gabriel Ayum Teye, called for deeper collaboration between the university and the Savannah Accelerated Development Authority (SADA).
“I call on SADA to collaborate with the UDS in their efforts to bring development to these areas: while I appeal to SADA to make use of the several reports on the several reports on the communities in their catchment area, I also want to urge them to sponsor research projects in the university.
Professor Teye said the UDS School of Medicine and Health Sciences will continue to produce qualified Doctors to improve the nation’s Doctor-Patient ratio.
“The UDS Medical School has opened its doors to our neighbors in the sub region and indeed in the international community: in this regard, the Medical School has in collaboration with the Galilean International Management Institute (GIMI) launched a joint medical training programme for persons across the globe to have the opportunity to our unique medical programme.”
He announced, “The GIMI/UDS joint medical programme commences this academic year and the university has received 170 applications from across the country. The interviews for selection are ongoing for the programme to commence in January 2016.”
Professor Teye complained about inadequate funds to recruit more staff needed to mount new programmes.
He entreated the graduands to serve as role models. “”I entreat you to be humble and principled in all your dealings and you are sure to go far in whatever you set your mind to do: I encourage you to set specific targets for your further education, career advancement and family life.”
Chairman of the UDS Governing Council, Professor Stephen B. Kendie called for political tolerance as the nation prepares for the 2016 general elections.
“Ghana will be holding elections next year and very soon electioneering campaigns will begin: there is however a disturbing trend which I appeal to all Ghanaians to do well to avoid and I am talking about culture of intolerance that has taken a centre stage in our national life.”
Professor Kendie lamented, “The use of intemperate language during radio and television discussions on national and especially political issues, vitriolic verbal and written attacks on personalities and incendiary speeches and addresses at any forum are all grim manifestations of intolerance.”
He advised the graduands to always make a positive difference in all spheres of life.
He also urged the graduands to be self reliant and entrepreneurial as the job market remains competitive.
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By: Abdul Karim Naatogmah/Citifmonline.com/Ghana