The University for Development Studies (UDS) formally welcomed its 2026/2027 cohort on Friday, 30 October 2026, at its 35th Matriculation. Two separate ceremonies were held simultaneously on the Tamale and Nyankpala campuses.

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Mohammed Muniru Iddrisu, delivered the keynote address at the Tamale Campus. At the Nyankpala Campus, the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Professor Elliot Haruna Alhassan, delivered the same address on the Vice-Chancellor’s behalf.

In the address, Professor Iddrisu congratulated the new students and thanked their families and sponsors for supporting them. He said the matriculation oath marked their formal entry into the University community and urged them to let it guide their conduct throughout their studies, especially in matters of academic honesty and respect for others.

More than 11,500 applicants accepted admission offers

Figures presented at the ceremonies showed that 11,514 applicants had accepted offers of admission by the time of matriculation. Of these, 10,262 accepted places in undergraduate programmes and 1,252 in postgraduate programmes. The University processed 27,976 applications and made 21,144 offers across both levels.

Women accounted for 53 per cent of undergraduate acceptances and 29 per cent of postgraduate acceptances. The Vice-Chancellor welcomed the strong representation of women at the undergraduate level and called for practical steps to encourage more women to pursue postgraduate studies and research.

He said the admissions figures would inform planning for teaching facilities, accommodation and student support. He also encouraged students facing academic, financial or personal difficulties to seek assistance through the University’s support services.

Vice-Chancellor urges responsible use of AI and service to communities

Professor Iddrisu urged students to develop sound study habits, make full use of the University’s libraries and laboratories, and take responsibility for their learning. He encouraged them to use artificial intelligence to explore ideas and understand difficult concepts, while cautioning against presenting AI-generated work as their own in breach of academic requirements. He also reminded them that examination malpractice and plagiarism were subject to the University’s disciplinary procedures.

The Vice-Chancellor pointed to the Third Trimester Field Practical Programme as an example of the University’s approach to linking classroom learning with community needs. Through the programme, students in participating disciplines work in communities and apply what they have learned to practical development challenges. He encouraged the new cohort to take the same approach to their studies by asking, “How can the knowledge I am acquiring contribute to improving the lives of others?”

The address also highlighted the University’s recent academic and sporting achievements. Professor Iddrisu said UDS placed fourth in Ghana in the 2027 Times Higher Education World University Rankings and second nationally on both the teaching and international outlook measures. He cited the men’s football team’s FISU University World Cup victory in Dalian, China, in 2025 and its successful defence of the African university football title in Cairo, Egypt, in September 2026 as examples of what students can achieve through discipline, teamwork and perseverance.

In his closing charge, Professor Iddrisu encouraged the matriculants to prepare for life beyond university from their first year by building practical skills, pursuing internships and taking part in community service. He urged them to use their time at UDS to develop the knowledge and character needed to serve their communities and contribute to Ghana’s development.

Story by:
Iddrisu Abdul Malik
UDS Media