UDS names library after Rawlings
The University for Development Studies (UDS) has named its library at the Nyankpala Campus after former President Jerry John Rawlings.
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According to the Chairman of the UDS Governing Council, Dr Abdulai Salifu, the honour done the former President was upon a recommendation by the academic board of the university and its subsequent approval by the council.
Addressing the 14th congregation of the university in Tamale last Saturday, the chairman of the council said “in taking the decision, the university took into consideration the role played by the former President in the establishment of the UDS”.
“Through his determination and commitment, and against all odds, former President Rawlings and the PNDC government established the UDS in May, 1992,” he said.
In all, 1,981 graduates from its campuses in Tamale, Nyankpala and Navrongo were presented with degrees and diplomas in fields including Community Nutrition, Agricultural Technology and Nursing.
Nineteen graduates were also presented with Master of Science, Arts, Philosophy and Doctor of Philosophy degrees.
President Rawlings
Dr Salifu recalled that former President Rawlings in 1994 personally donated 50,000 dollars, which was his prize money for the Award of Sustainable End of Hunger in Africa, to the university which it used to procure reading and other teaching and learning materials.
At a special congregation in October, this year, the university conferred an honorary doctorate degree on President Rawlings. A bust was also unveiled at the central administration block of the UDS in his honour.
Dr Salifu advised the graduates to aim higher in their various fields of endeavour.
“Whether you choose to pursue further academic studies or start a career in any other field, I advise you to apply yourselves to it with the same diligence and unity of purpose that saw you through your studies here,” he stressed.
On educational training in the country, Dr Salifu called on the Ministry of Education to review the curriculum of basic schools to make technical and vocational courses compulsory for all pupils up to the junior high school level, since the link between industry and educational training was weak.
Professor Haruna Yakubu, the Vice Chancellor of UDS, said the university was enhancing the knowledge and skills of staff at all levels to improve learning and teaching.
He explained that the university was doing this by providing financial support to faculty members to pursue higher education.
He said the UDS had over the years established linkages with sister universities, agencies, organisations and institutions to promote its international image and for capacity building.
Professor Yakubu, therefore, urged the students “to embrace values that ascribe to the highest levels of academic distinction, freedom and accountability”.
