President John Dramani Mahama has showered praise on the University for Development Studies (UDS) football team for their historic triumph at the World University Football Games, where they defeated the Paulista University of Brazil in the grand finale to lift the coveted trophy.

Receiving the champions at the Jubilee House on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, the President described their victory as a “truly extraordinary achievement” that has brought honour not only to the University but to the entire nation.

You have brought immense pride and glory to Ghana by winning the World University Football Games, beating no mean a team than Brazil,” President Mahama declared. “This victory is not only for UDS; it is a statement that Ghanaian youth can compete and excel anywhere in the world when given the right opportunity and support.”

As a mark of appreciation, the President announced a cash donation of GH¢500,000 to the team, to be presented to the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Seidu Al-hassan.

“We won’t let you go empty-handed. This is a token of our appreciation for the good job you have done,” he said, drawing smiles and applause from the team and university officials.

Earlier,  the Minister of Education, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, had, on behalf of the President, pledged to donate a 66 seater capacity bus to the University.

President Mahama commended the UDS leadership and coaching staff for their commitment to developing young athletes who combine academic pursuit with sporting excellence. He noted that UDS’ success illustrates the vital link between university sports and national development, as well as its power to promote cultural exchange, unity, and patriotism.

The President used the occasion to announce a major government initiative, which is the establishment of a School Sports Authority, to manage and coordinate competitions from the basic to tertiary levels.

“It will have its own budget and organize regular competitions among universities and secondary schools so that we can identify talent early and nurture it into our national teams,” he explained.

He added that the government’s RESET agenda places sports and recreation at the heart of efforts to promote national cohesion, social inclusion, and youth employment. As part of that vision, the government plans to construct a standard sports stadium in every region to serve as a hub for training and competitions.

Turning to the players, the President offered words of inspiration:
“Let this victory be your beginning, not your peak. Remain humble, disciplined, and focused, because the world is now watching UDS, and by extension, Ghana.”

Vice-Chancellor Professor Seidu Al-hassan, who led the UDS delegation, expressed profound gratitude to the President for his unwavering support to the university. He highlighted that the team’s triumph was not accidental but the result of strategic discipline and innovation.

“In preparing for the tournament, our players adopted your famous ‘24-hour economy’ philosophy as a ‘24-hour training plan’, and that spirit of hard work made all the difference,” Professor Al-hassan revealed.

He also thanked the government for passing the University for Development Studies Act, 2025 (Act 1143), which he said marks a new chapter in the university’s growth, and appealed for more investment in sports and academic infrastructure.

President Mahama concluded by urging the champions to continue inspiring others through their story. “From Tamale to the world, you have shown what determination and opportunity can achieve. Your victory renews our faith in education, sports, and the power of young people to transform Ghana.”

With this triumph, UDS has not only written its name in gold on the world stage but also reaffirmed its position as a powerhouse in university sports and a beacon of development-oriented education in Ghana.

Story by:
Abdul Hayi Moomen
UDS Media