The University for Development Studies (UDS) has capped a highly productive academic year with a graduation ceremony that highlighted a string of remarkable achievements chalked up by the institution since its last congregation, marking the 2024/2025 academic year as one of the most impactful in the University’s history.

Addressing the congregation, university authorities reflected on the period between April and November 2025, describing it as a season of sustained growth, global visibility and outstanding performance across academics, sports and student leadership.

Academically, UDS consolidated its status as a leading higher education institution in Ghana and beyond. The University maintained its top position in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings as Ghana’s best university for Quality Teaching, while also emerging second in the country for International Outlook. The recognition, university officials noted, is a strong endorsement of UDS’s expanding global footprint and its commitment to excellence in teaching and learning.

Beyond the lecture halls, UDS distinguished itself on the global sporting stage. In a historic achievement that placed the University at the centre of international attention, the UDS male football team emerged World University Football Champions after a triumphant campaign in Dalian, China. The victory, described as unprecedented, affirmed the discipline, resilience and determination of UDS students and positioned the University as a global icon in university sports.

UDS also strengthened its international standing through high-level academic diplomacy. The University was the only institution from Ghana invited to participate in the prestigious University Presidents Forum in China—a top-tier gathering of global university leaders shaping the future of higher education. The participation, university officials explained, was not accidental but a recognition of UDS’s growing relevance on the global stage. It has since opened new avenues for strategic partnerships, academic exchanges and collaborative research that are expected to benefit the University community for years to come.

At the national level, UDS students continued to demonstrate leadership and intellectual excellence. The UDS Students’ Parliament gained national acclaim after winning the highly competitive Commonwealth Day Essay Competition, further underscoring the University’s role in nurturing young leaders with a strong sense of civic responsibility.

In sports development, UDS reaffirmed its reputation as a powerhouse among Ghanaian universities. At the recent Ghana Universities Sports Association (GUSA) Games held in Somanya, UDS emerged as the overall top-performing institution, amassing an impressive haul of medals across several sporting disciplines.

The University’s sporting success attracted recognition from both state and traditional authorities. President John Dramani Mahama supported the University with a cash donation in recognition of the historic achievements of the UDS football team. Traditional leaders also showed strong solidarity, as the Overlord of Dagbon, His Majesty Ndan Yaa Naa Abukari Mahama II, presented each player and member of the technical team with a beautifully woven Dagbon smock and a monetary gift, while other traditional leaders contributed food items in support of the team.

The graduation ceremony thus served not only as a celebration of the graduating class but also as a reflection of a year defined by excellence, resilience and global recognition. Collectively, the achievements reaffirm UDS’ mission to produce well-rounded graduates while advancing its vision as a development-oriented university with growing international influence.

Story by: Ibrahim Abubakari Dinnani