SDD-UBIDS Accelerated GETFund Infrastructure Completion Initiative boosts facilities and graduation achievements at 4th congregation

The Accelerated GETFund Infrastructure Completion Initiative at Simon Diedong Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies (SDD-UBIDS) is producing significant results in addressing the university’s long-standing infrastructure deficits. Launched in 2025, the initiative has completed an auditorium, a four-storey interim central administration block, a cafeteria, a fire station, and a lecturers’ common room, revitalising decade-old uncompleted GETFund projects.

Professor Emmanuel Kanchebe Derbile, Vice-Chancellor of SDD-UBIDS, announced the progress during the university’s 4th congregation in Wa over the weekend. He explained that the initiative leverages the University’s Internally Generated Fund (IGF) alongside other funding sources to accelerate completion of priority GETFund projects.

The congregation celebrated the graduation of 2,183 students, including 688 postgraduate students—ten PhDs, 30 MPhils, and over 500 MSc graduates—and 1,495 undergraduates and diploma holders. Prof. Derbile emphasised that this milestone reflects the University’s commitment to academic excellence, research, and professional development, producing graduates ready to contribute to national and global development.

He also announced that the proposal and curriculum for a School of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences had been completed and would be presented to the University Council within the year. Proposed programmes include Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, BSc General Nursing, BSc Midwifery, BSc Public Health Nursing, BSc Health Promotion, BSc Public Health Nutrition, and BSc Environmental Health and Sanitation.

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Representing President John Mahama at the ceremony, Dr Clement Abas Apaak, Deputy Minister of Education, reaffirmed government commitment to completing all outstanding infrastructure projects at SDD-UBIDS, describing the university as a strategic pillar for balanced national development. He also announced GH₵50 million seed capital from GETFund to operationalise the National Research Fund, established in 2017 to strengthen research capacity and support evidence-based policymaking.

Dr Benjamin Kunbuor, Chairperson of SDD-UBIDS’ Governing Council, commended the university’s steady growth, expanding academic programmes, and improved infrastructure. He stressed that the institution’s active participation in national and international forums, growing student enrolment, and vibrant research outputs position it as a thought leader in national and global development.

In his valedictory speech, Gabriel Ofori Boateng, the best graduating student, urged his colleagues to continue asking questions, learning, and growing wherever they go, embodying the spirit of lifelong education cultivated at SDD-UBIDS.