The University for Development Studies (UDS) has entered a new chapter in its history following the official assumption of office by its newly appointed Vice-Chancellor, Professor Mohammed Muniru Iddrisu, who formally took over the reins of leadership from the outgoing Vice-Chancellor, Professor Seidu Al-hassan, during a handover ceremony held on Monday, 29th June 2026, at the Vice-Chancellor's Office on the Tamale Campus.

The ceremony marked the formal transfer of executive authority and featured the presentation of the official symbol of office from the outgoing Vice-Chancellor to his successor, signifying the seamless transition of leadership at Ghana's foremost pro-poor public university.

In his farewell remarks, Professor Seidu Al-hassan expressed profound appreciation to the University's Management and staff for the unwavering support they offered throughout his tenure, describing his accomplishments as the product of collective effort rather than individual achievement.

"I thank Management for their contributions throughout my tenure. Your unwavering support brought me this far. We worked together as a team, and the credit belongs to all of us," he remarked.

Reflecting on the demands of the office, Professor Al-hassan candidly acknowledged the weight of the responsibility, noting that leading a rapidly growing institution such as UDS was both challenging and rewarding. "What I can put on record is that it is not easy," he observed.

Offering words of counsel to the incoming Vice-Chancellor, Professor Al-hassan urged him to remain guided by integrity, discipline and diligence in the discharge of his responsibilities.

"As an incoming Vice-Chancellor, be truthful, obedient and hardworking as you work towards the mission and vision of the University," he advised, while praying for divine guidance and strength for his successor as he assumes the mantle of leadership.

In his acceptance remarks, Professor Mohammed Muniru Iddrisu expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for the opportunity to serve and acknowledged the official commencement of his tenure.

"I give thanks to Allah for our lives. Based on the letters I received and upon reading the official announcement, I understood that I was to resume office today," he said.

The new Vice-Chancellor outlined his immediate priorities for the University, identifying infrastructure development and the strengthening of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) systems as critical areas requiring urgent attention to enhance teaching, learning, research and administrative efficiency.

Professor Iddrisu also pledged to lead an inclusive administration anchored on consultation, transparency and collective responsibility.

"Taking over this mantle, I promise that I will work hard towards the development of the University," he assured, adding that his administration would operate an open-door policy that encourages collaboration and constructive engagement with all stakeholders.

The handover marks the beginning of a new phase in the University's development as Professor Mohammed Muniru Iddrisu assumes responsibility for steering UDS towards greater academic excellence, innovation, institutional growth and global competitiveness.

The University community extends its heartfelt appreciation to Professor Seidu Al-hassan for his dedicated and distinguished service to UDS and warmly welcomes Professor Mohammed Muniru Iddrisu as he begins his tenure as Vice-Chancellor.

Story by:
Fabian Kwaku Nwidei
UDS Media