The Vice-Chancellor of the University for Development Studies (UDS) Professor Seidu Al-hassan, says he seeks to provide effective leadership and a collegial environment that will speed up the development of the university into a practically oriented institution.

Speaking on Ghana’s Public broadcaster, GTV’s flagship programme, the Breakfast Show, hosted by ace broadcaster, Thelma Tackie, Professor Al-hassan, said his vision is to provide effective leadership and a collegial environment that will further develop the university into a practically-oriented institution, which will be internationally recognised for academic excellence and community service.

He added that measure had already been put in place to ensure that the University witnesses significant advancement in research, teaching and learning, human resource, student services and relationship, community service, infrastructure, information and communication technology, internally generated funds and partnership.

Professor Al-hassan, who is a Professor of Agricultural Economics, and served the university in the past as Pro-Vice-Chancellor, formally assumed office on September 01, 2022, becoming the 5th Vice-Chancellor in the 30-year history of the UDS.

During the interview on GTV, on the topic “3 Decades of UDS: Advancing Pro-Poor Scholarship”, Professor Al-hassan spoke about academic and research excellence saying the overarching goal was to strengthen existing programmes and to introduce innovative ones in line with current realities bearing in mind quality of programmes, their relevance to society and availability of space. He added that under his leadership, Academic infrastructure for all university activities will be enhanced and expanded to boost teaching and learning and research. Additionally, well-equipped lecture rooms, laboratories and accommodation will be provided while existing facilities especially, lecture rooms refurbished and modernised. In view of this vision, the Vice-Chancellor extended an invitation to private investors to reach out to the Management of UDS in order to explore possible areas of collaboration. He also revealed that the Overlord of Dagbon, Yaa Naa Abukari II had donated 500 acres of land for the expansion of the University.

Prof. Al-hassan emphasised that under his leadership, students would be at the centre of teaching and learning and research activities with the government’s priority agenda for creating a critical mass of impactful human capital.

Prof. Seidu went to the GBC studios holding a leaf from a tree in his hand. When asked why he had come bearing a leaf, he said the spelling of leaf – (L.E.A.F) represents his vision for the University for Development Studies. Explaining further, he said “L” represents his desire to offer quality “Leadership”. The letter “E” he explained, represents his desire to build a resilient “Environment” for research, while the letter “A” represents his vision to advance and improve on “Academic” programmes. Lastly, he explained the letter “F” represents his strategy to raise “Funds” for the University.