Zakiu, who was preparing to enter his third year of study, was found dead on the evening of September 25, 2024.

His body, bearing multiple stab wounds, was discovered in an uncompleted building located between the Citadel Hostel and Kumbung Hostel on the UDS campus.

Initial reports indicate that, Zakiu’s motorcycle and phone are missing, raising suspicions that he may have been attacked and robbed.

It was confirmed that he had gone out to watch a football match with a friend that evening, but he did not return.

In response to the incident, university authorities, including the Vice Dean, Dean of Students, and the head of Security, held an emergency meeting and later visited the regional police office on Friday to get updates on the ongoing investigation.

The campus has been thrown into a state of shock and grief as students and staff await further details surrounding the tragic death of their colleague.

His final funeral rites will take place today, September 30, 2024 at Gumani around Oasis
Restaurant.

This decision is a result of the ongoing industrial action by the Ghana Association of University Administrators (GAUA), the Senior Staff Association – Universities of Ghana (SSA-UoG), and the Teachers and Educational Workers’ Union of the Trade Union Congress (TEWU-TUC).

The strike has significantly impacted the delivery of academic services at the university.

The unions have raised concerns over delayed pension contributions, non-payment of vehicle maintenance allowances, and the suspension of certain agreed-upon benefits.

The university has assured students and the general public that they will be updated on any new developments regarding the reopening once the industrial action is resolved.

Find attached press statement:

The Silver Jubilee Building, a three-storey complex designed to house lecture halls and offices, stands as a testament to President Akufo-Addo’s promise made in 2018 during UDS’s 25th-anniversary celebrations.

Speaking at the inauguration, the President expressed his satisfaction with the completion of the building, emphasising that it represents more than just a physical structure.

“This building symbolises our shared vision for a brighter future, our commitment to the pursuit of knowledge, and our resolve to the development of our country,” the President stated.

He noted that the structure serves as a catalyst for innovation and a hub for intellectual discourse, which will significantly enhance the academic environment for both students and faculty at UDS.

The President extended his gratitude to all those who played a role in bringing the project to fruition, including the Ministry of Education, the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund), the university’s governing council, faculty, staff, students, and the contractors, Buildex Company Ltd. He praised their dedication and craftsmanship, which he said are evident in every corner of the new building.

As part of his remarks, President Akufo-Addo underscored the broader significance of education as a cornerstone of national development.

He highlighted the considerable investments his government has made in the education sector, including a budgetary allocation of GH¢12.88 billion aimed at transforming education in Ghana.

“My government has expended considerable energy and resources on the education sector because we recognize that education is the most powerful tool we have to transform our nation,” the President said.

He also pointed to the success of the No Guarantor Policy, which has significantly improved access to tertiary education by removing financial barriers for students.

The policy, he noted, has led to a 60.3% increase in the number of students seeking tertiary education between the 2016/2017 and 2022/2023 academic years. This surge in demand has prompted the government to establish four new universities across the country and expand existing facilities.

The President further reaffirmed his government’s commitment to research and academia, revealing that since 2020, GH¢226 million has been disbursed as research allowances, with an additional GH¢491 million allocated as book allowances.

These investments, he stressed, are crucial for fostering an environment conducive to scholarly investigation and innovation.

Looking ahead, President Akufo-Addo called on universities to strengthen their ties with industry, government, and communities to ensure that their research and teaching are aligned with the nation’s development goals.

He emphasised the critical role that universities play in training professionals across various fields, including science, engineering, law, and political science.

In closing, the President urged Ghanaians to support the Vice President, Alhaji Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, in the upcoming 2024 elections, praising his competence, resourcefulness, and vision for Ghana’s future.

The inauguration of the Silver Jubilee Building not only marks the completion of a promise made by President Akufo-Addo but also signals the beginning of a new chapter in the history of UDS.

As the university community celebrates this achievement, the President’s words serve as a reminder of the collective effort required to build a brighter future for Ghana.

Source: Presidency

This decision comes in response to management’s failure to address pressing safety and security concerns affecting staff members.

The announcement follows a series of unaddressed petitions and demands by the Executive Council of the Senior Staff Association.

The union has been seeking urgent intervention regarding threats against the life of a colleague, Mr. Issah Adam Jafar, which have created a pervasive sense of fear and uncertainty among staff.

Having exhausted all peaceful avenues for resolving the issue, the Senior Staff Association feels compelled to take drastic measures to protect the rights and interests of its members.

The union’s demands include:

1. Immediate investigation of the incident and accountability for those responsible.
2. Assurance of the safety and security of all staff members.
3. Implementation of preventive measures to avoid similar incidents in the future.
4. Provision of a safe and conducive working environment for all staff members.

The association is confident that this industrial action will prompt a resolution and restore peace and stability within the institution.

They urge all stakeholders to recognize the legitimacy of their action and support their efforts to ensure a secure working environment for everyone at UDS.

Find attached press release:

The group, known as ‘Concerned Students of the Sandwich Colleges of Education,’ comprises students from five colleges: Tumu College of Education, Gambaga College of Education, Saint Vincent College of Education, Dambai College of Education, McCoy College of Education, and Al-Faruq College of Education.

The students claim they completed their programs between 2021 and 2022 but have yet to receive their certificates from UDS.

During a press conference in Walewale, the group expressed their frustration, highlighting the significant impact the delay has had on their lives.

“Our parents and guardians thought we’ve wasted their money and they feel scammed. They’re disappointed in us, their wards and spouses ‘, the group said, in a statement read by spokesperson Christy Avuyem.

“Many women have lost peace in their marriages because their supporting husbands feel they have either failed their programme or wasted their money,” she continued. “They [parents and guardians] cannot believe that we’ve completed paying the huge school fees, yet came home empty-handed,” they said.

The group added that, the delay has impeded their personal growth, preventing them from seeking admissions, promotions, or pursuing higher education.

They questioned why UDS, which prides itself as the leading university in the north, takes over two years to issue certificates when other universities typically do so within four months.

“We cannot seek admissions, neither can we seek promotions, and neither can we pursue higher education because of the absence of our certificates.

“UDS as the premium university of the north has disappointed the north and proven to be inefficient, hence would hinder the quality of education delivery and patronage of their services,” the group said.

The students issued a one-week ultimatum for the university to release their certificates or face radical actions.

They demanded the dismissal or resignation of Abdul Wahid Mohammed for his perceived indifference and unprofessional conduct.

They also called for the removal of Mr. Sammy from the Students Data System Unit for failing to authorize certificate printing.

Additionally, the group criticized the Director for Distance and Continuing Education, Dr. Cecilia Alimatu Issaka, and the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Seidu Al-Hassan, for their indifference to the students’ plight.

They urged the National Accreditation Board and the Ministry of Education to intervene for an amicable resolution.

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In all, a total of 4,399 students comprising 4,242 undergraduates, 124 graduates, 15 postgraduate diploma and 16 Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) students graduated.

Out of the number, 161 students graduated with first class honours.

New technology

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo in a speech read on his behalf by the Northern Regional Minister, Shani Alhassan Shaibu, charged the university to develop new engineering technologies for agriculture and industrialisation in the north.

He said as the world was evolving every minute, it was very imperative for every nation to leverage on technologies to maximise growth and productivity.

“Our universities in general and UDS in particular have a role to play in ensuring that they provide training that will ensure our graduates are not mere spectators but movers of these unfolding events,” he said.

He reiterated the government’s commitment to provide infrastructure to the university to reposition it to deliver effectively.  

For his part, the Vice-Chancellor of the UDS, Prof. Seidu Al-hassan, said the graduates had been well-equipped to lead positive change in their respective communities.

“Studies have revealed that our products are very competitive in the job market with many creating jobs on their own.

The UDS is committed to churning out productive graduates and innovative ways to solving challenges,” he noted.

He, however, lamented the challenges facing the university such as inadequate hostels and lecture halls, and appealed to the government to take deliberate steps in addressing challenges facing the school.

Prof. Al-hassan advised the graduates to put the knowledge acquired to good use and create jobs for themselves.

He announced that the university would be starting its law faculty next year to bring law education to the steps of people of the north.

The Director-General of the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), Prof. Ahmed Jinapor Abdulai, indicated that the commission had set up a committee to deal with the backlog of all accreditation issues as soon as possible.

A mechanical engineer student from the Nyankpala campus of UDS, Francis Mbawin Lambon, emerged as the overall best student.

 He received cash prizes, certificates and citations.

The six-storey building, which was under construction, collapsed on Saturday, May 6, after a rainstorm.

It was expected to serve as lecture halls for students upon completion.

Speaking to Citi News, the Head of University Relations, Abdul Hayi-Moomen, said the report of the committee would be made public.

“It’s early days yet for anyone to be able to confirm exactly what caused the building to collapse. We urge everyone to be patient and wait for the committee that will be named to finish its work and come out with its report. When the committee comes out with its report, we will ensure that being a public university, we will tell the public exactly what happened,” the Head of University Relations at the University of Development Studies assured.

There were no casualties after the collapse of the building. Some residents who spoke to Citi News said they suspect poor construction work led to the incident.

Security personnel manning the campus refused to allow journalists access to the scene of the incident.

The UDS City campus runs graduate programmes and hosts the newly established School of Business.

The latest incident at the UDS City Campus at Sagnarigu comes days after two separate three-storey buildings collapsed at Madina and Adentan in Accra.

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Information gathered indicates that the staff of the Northern Electricity Distribution Company disconnected the school’s electricity over debt.

According to the NEDCo staff, the University has defaulted in electricity payment, and all calls to clear their debt have proven futile.

Consequently, the electricity company then decided to change the postpaid meter of the school to prepaid meter on a pay-as-you-go mode.

NEDCo’s Loss control supervisor, Samuel Kumi, speaking to Adom News said, they then, this morning, proceeded to the University to disconnect their lights, after which the school’s security locked the main gate of the campus to block their exit.

Thy were held hostage in the school with condition that they restore power, else remain locked up.

Mr Kumi added that the matter was reported to their management and military was called in for their rescue.

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They say the frequent conflicts in communities like Bawku are breeding disunity among them as some students have already exited common platforms they used to share together.

This, among others, is affecting their studies and co-existence; hence, their plea for peaceful relations among aggrieved parties.

In an interview with JoyNews, the students – who are members of the Upper East Students’ Union of the University for Development Studies – said they are unable to study among themselves again due to the conflicts.

President of the Union from the Nyankpala campus, Zoogah Yingura Dorcas, said people who used to be friends now avoid one another on campus for the fear of extending the conflict to campus.

“We feel unsafe going home, even after vacations because we do not know when the next violence will occur. We call on our leaders and elders at home to smoke the peace pipe,” she pleaded.

Another student, Akugri Pius Awimbe, said most of them – who largely finance themselves in school – are unable to take on other duties that fetch them money.

This, he said, has compelled some of them to differ their courses because they have no money to pay their fees.

Akugri expressed worry about the closure of schools in Bawku because some teachers and health practitioners are already seeking shelter in other safer communities.

“When we vie for leadership positions, we are tagged as violent and they use it against us.”

Meanwhile, the Northern Regional Secretary of the National Peace Council (NPC), Father Thaddeus Kuusah, has said they have held series of engagements with stakeholders at Bawku to find lasting solution to the conflict.

He said an inter-ethnic committee has been established to deal with issues emanating from the area on a daily basis, especially at Bawku.

The suspect went to the Faculty of Education building where motorcycles were parked with his accomplice and tried to steal the motorcycle.

They used a master key to open two motorcycles parked outside and tried to bolt with them.

But, unfortunately, they were spotted by some students who gave them a hot chase.

One of the suspects was arrested as he attempted to jumped off from the moving motorcycle, but his accomplice managed to escape.

It took the intervention of residents in the area to prevent the suspect from being lynched.

The stealing of motorcycles on UDS campus is very rampant but authorities have put in place measures to address the problem.

This follows the University management’s failure to respect and implement the prudent professional recommendations of the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) on the concerns of Senior Staff Association in relation to qualification requirements for progression and upgrading to Senior Member Grade, contained in a letter date December 24 2021.

This was contained in a statement signed by Chairman of the Association, Zakaria Mohammed on Sunday May 8, 2022.

It also cited “capricious and whimsical applications of administrative rules by some heads within the university,” as another reason for the planned strike.

“The Executive Council of the Senior Staff of the Universities Teachers- University for Development Studies, Tamale shall embark on an indefinite industrial strike on Thursday May 12, 2022,” the statement added.

Read the full statement below:

However, out of the total number of students that were offered admission into the university, the Vice-Chancellor of the UDS, Professor Gabriel Ayum Teye said only 5,518 honoured the admission to study in the university.

Speaking at the 28th matriculation ceremony of the school last Friday (February 12), the Vice-Chancellor added that the university also admitted 512 postgraduate students and 355 accepted the offer.

“Out of a total of 22,609 undergraduate and 939 postgraduate applications, 16,763 and 512 students respectively were admitted. However, only 5,518 undergraduates and 355 postgraduates accepted the offer,” Prof Ayum Teye indicated.

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Expansion

The Vice-Chancellor in his address at the event indicated that since the university has lost two campuses at Wa and Noverongo, the university has taken steps to establish additional campuses to maintain its initial four-campus status.

According to him, the university was creating campuses at Gbanyamni in Tamale and another at Yendi, adding that some faculties were going to be relocated to the new campuses.

He further indicated that the institution had also introduced new programs including; Bsc Physician Assistant, Bsc Medical Imaging Technology, Bsc Health Information Management to enable the university produce products that would meet the needs of stakeholders and employers.

Advice

Prof Ayum Teye urged the matriculants to take their studies serious, adding that the university only awarded degrees to hardworking students who met all the academic requirements of the university at the end of their study period.

“The university is totally against the activities of unregistered clubs and associations. Occultism and other anti-social and non-conforming practices are outlawed in this university. Any student found to be engaging in any form of occultism shall face full rigours of the university’s rules and regulations,” he stated.

Although Mr Rawlings rejected the honour while he was alive, the President said his family has endorsed the decision.

President Akufo-Addo announced this at Mr Rawlings’ pre-burial service held at the Black Star Square in Accra on Wednesday, January 27, 2021.

“Whilst he was with us, he, respectfully, declined an offer I made to him, in 2017, to have the University of Development Studies, Tamale, (UDS), which he, personally, helped establish, named after him. His reason was that, in adhering to a long-standing principle, he did not want to have any national monument or facility named after him.

“Two days after his passing, at the 21st Congregation of UDS, I expressed my strongest convictions, in spite of his reservations, that such an honour should be accorded him. I am glad that this has found favour with his family, and the necessary formalities will be carried out to achieve this, i.e. The Jerry John Rawlings University of Development Studies, Tamale,” he said.

Mr Rawlings, Ghana’s first President in the Fourth Republic, died on Thursday, November 12, 2020, at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra after battling ill-health.

His final funeral rites began on Sunday, January 24, 2021.

While reading a tribute at the pre-burial service in Accra today, President Akufo-Addo said although he and Mr Rawlings “did not see eye to eye”, the National Democratic Congress founder subsequently became “a good friend and a repository of sound advice.”

The decision was taken at the second reading of the University of Business and Integrated Development Studies Bill, 2018 in Parliament.

The motion was moved by the Minister of State in charge of Tertiary Education, Professor Kwesi Yankah and seconded by the Chairman of the Education Committee of Parliament, William Agyapong Quaittoo.

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The campus was separated from the UDS in 2002 as the Faculty of Integrated Development Studies to provide opportunities particularly, to people in the Upper West Region to access University Education.

It will be dedicated to the development of business and integrated development studies.

The newly established University is expected to attract investors to the region, increase economic activities, generate revenue and create job opportunities.

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Schools of the university will include School of Business, Law, Social Studies, Education and Lifelong Learning, ICT and others yet to be determined by the Uuniversity Council.

Member of Parliament (MP) for Wa West, Joseph Yieleh Chireh, welcomed the news and urged government to commit resources to the conversion of the university.

Source: Ghanaian Times

They were said to have been admitted in the 2013/2014 academic year and were at the Tamale campus of the university.

They are made up of 13 nursing students, three community nutrition students, a midwifery student and a health science student.

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A statement signed and issued by the Registrar of UDS, Dr. A.B.T Zakariah said the decision to sack the students was taken after a probe.

He explained it was found out the students did not possess the qualification by virtue of which they were offered admission.

The statement named the students as Mavis Adu Boahen, Abigail Pomaa Kyeremeh, Alice Owusuaa, Samuel Arko, Joana Pazzaga, Francis Gyamfi Asare, Nazaiah Borama, Rosemary Akabo and Mohammed Ameyaw.

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The others were also named as Emmanuel Kabore, Georgina Yiadom Konadu, Evans Mfum, Patricia Daadi Dery, Nafisa Tahiru, Magdalene Mensah, Jennifer Eyram Kotobridja and Eman Adams.

The news came as a shock to the students who were working on their final projects.

The students produced several of their receipts to the GNA to support their claim.
The students said: “we have exhausted all internal mechanisms to ensure transparency and sanity in our student leaders.”
But the NUGS President Mr Opoku when contacted on Sunday told the GNA that the total amount of GH¢150.00 the Secretariat charged per student and non-student was used for the entire processing cost.

He explained that part of the money was used to purchase the passport forms, transport the applicants to Tamale [where the passport is acquired] and pay per diem of the driver that conveyed the passport seekers.
He added that some of the money was used to pay allowances of persons engaged in the registration of the applicants and advertisements they put out as well as follow-ups to ensure every applicant had his or her passport.
He said the GH¢150.00 claimed was informed by previous years’ experiences where students were charged GH¢90.00 and GH¢80.00 for the processing of the passports, but encountered difficulties wherein the end many of the applicants failed to get their passports and never also had their monies refunded.
However, in a petition by the UDS chapter of Youth Parliament to the Local NUGS UDS Campus, Wa Campus, called for an open forum on the passport issue among other alleged financial irregularities.
The letter addressed to the NUGS Secretariat also requested the President to appear before it to explain the matter, which according to the students he failed to respond to their demand.
The petition dated 9th April and jointly signed by Seidu Ayisha, Speaker of Youth Parliament as well as Atitianti James, Clark of Youth Parliament stated inter alia: “What informed the decision for charging students GH¢100.00 for traveling passport.”
“Give an account of all revenue and expenditure for the 2017/2018 local NUGS with all necessary documents backing it.”
According to the students, attempts to get the NUGS President to also appear before the Judiciary Board to explain matters proved futile.

The students also said they were then compelled to petition management of UDS to impress upon NUGS to address the students’ body in an open forum of which the local Union refused.
The GNA cited an internal memo dated 16th April by Vice Dean of Students and addressed to SRC/NUGS Presidents on the subject: “Open forum to account for students.”
The memo said: “Please, Article 2 infer, “the Supremacy of the Constitution”, I write to inform SRC/NUGS that the entrenched decision taken to disregard Management directive is grossly viewed with discontent.
“In furtherance of this SRC, the constitution preamble dictates your conduct: “we the students of the University for Development Studies acknowledge the necessity for us to have rules regulating our affairs and conducts on campus; desiring to maintain a disciplined environment and creating solidarity and fraternity amongst students, lecturers and workers of UDS: resolving to abide by democratic principles: and wishing to create acceptable avenues for communication and resolution of conflicts”.
The memo continued: “It must be noted that your stance was discussed and Management took the decision to schedule 16th April 2018 in the interest of the University.
“Your action is a gross violation of the principles and wishes to create acceptable awareness for the communication and resolution of conflicts which the student body is requesting for your defiance is an affront to Management.”
Mr Opoku has debunked all the allegations and said he was ready for any proper procedure for scrutiny.
He said about 40 to 50 passport seekers were registered by the NUGS Secretariat, but only five passports were outstanding which he had been making regular follow-ups to get them.