Story by: Abdul Hayi Moomen (UDS Media)

The Governing Council of the University for Development Studies (UDS) has met with the university’s triumphant football team, winners of the 2025 FISU World Cup held in Dalian, China, in September this year, commending them for bringing unprecedented honour to the institution and to Ghana.

The meeting, held at the UDS Central Administration Block, brought together members of the Council who took turns to congratulate the players and offer pieces of advice, reminding them that though their victory had placed UDS on the world map, they remained students first and must stay focused on their academics.

Representing the Convocation on Council, Dr. Yaa Nyarko Adjeso, praised the players for their hard work and determination. “You have not only made UDS proud; you have made the entire nation of Ghana proud,” she said. “Your achievement has inspired many, and we are grateful for the discipline and resilience you displayed on the global stage.”

Government Nominee on the Council, Dr. Arnold Mashud Abukari, expressed personal delight over the team’s performance. “This victory brings me special joy because I was once a member of the UDS football team myself,” he revealed. “Seeing you lift the FISU World Cup tells me that the tradition of excellence lives on.”

Another Council Member, Miss Magdalene Awinyeliya Kannae, admitted that although football had never been her passion, the UDS team had changed her perspective entirely. “I used to say football wasn’t my thing, but you have made me fall in love with the game,” she said with admiration.

President of the UDS Alumni Association, Prof. Terry Ansah, commended the team and presented a cheque for GHC20,000 to support the players on behalf of the Alumni Association. “We are proud of your achievement, and this is our token to encourage you to reach even higher,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of the Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS), Mr. Alhassan Issah Dokurugu reminded the players of their growing influence. “You have become role models for sportsmen and women in senior high schools across Northern Ghana,” he noted. “Your discipline and success will inspire many young athletes.”

President of the Graduate Students’ Association of Ghana (GRASAG-UDS), Mr. Salifu Bawa Zakaria, celebrated the fact that several team members were postgraduate students. “For those still at the undergraduate level, I urge you to consider continuing here for your master’s degrees. UDS is proud to be part of your journey,” he said.

The Students’ Representative Council (SRC) President, Mr. Azuure Moses, also congratulated the team, praising their unity, commitment and sportsmanship.

Addressing the gathering, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Seidu Al-hassan, who had just returned from China after participating in the World University Presidents Forum, said the victory of the UDS team had given the university international prominence. “While in China, I felt extremely proud because your success made UDS so popular that we were the only university from Ghana invited to the global forum,” he revealed.

The Director of Finance, Dr. Mohammed Hardi Shaibu, gave an account of how all funds donated to the team by H.E. former President John Dramani Mahama, and various individuals including traditional rulers, had been utilized. He stated that the team had received all their winning bonuses and that the bulls offered to the players were used to host a befitting dinner in their honour. “We ensured that every donation was spent transparently and in the best interest of the team,” he assured.

Chairman of the UDS Governing Council, Ambassador Alhaji Abdullah Salifu, said he was overwhelmed with joy when he first heard the news of the victory. “When the message reached me, I couldn’t believe it; I thought it was a dream,” he recounted. “You have done what no university football team in Ghana and Africa has ever done, and we are immensely proud. But remember, to take your studies seriously. You are students first before footballers.”

Other members of the Council present included Miss Abiba Nyari, Prof. Edmund Muonir Der (Professorial Representative), UTAG-UDS President, Prof. Eliasu Mumuni, and the representative of the Tertiary Education Workers Union (TEWU), Mr. Emmanuel Asampana.

The meeting ended with warm applause for the players and a renewed commitment by the University to support sports excellence while upholding academic discipline.