By: Edwin Gogu
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Business and Integrated Development Studies (UBIDS), Prof. Emmanuel Kanchebe Derbile, has urged newly admitted students to uphold discipline, academic integrity, and personal responsibility as they begin their academic journey.
Speaking at the university’s 6th Matriculation Ceremony held on Saturday, February 21, 2026, Prof. Derbile described the occasion as historic, marking a new chapter in the institution’s identity and growth.
“In December 2025, through an Act of Parliament, the Government of Ghana renamed this university from Simon Diedong Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies to the University of Business and Integrated Development Studies. You are the first cohort to be matriculated under our new name. You are pioneers of this chapter,” he stated.
A total of 2,301 students were formally admitted into various programmes for the 2025/2026 academic year. The breakdown includes 868 diploma students, 1,080 first-degree students, 205 master’s students, and 103 post-first degree law students.
The Vice-Chancellor highlighted encouraging female enrollment at the diploma, levels, where women constitute the majority. However, he noted a decline in female representation at the degree, master’s and in the School of Law.
“As a university, we are committed to addressing this gap through mentorship, inclusive policies, and gender-responsive academic support,” he assured, encouraging male students to become allies in building an equitable academic environment.
Addressing infrastructure challenges, the Vice-Chancellor revealed that nearly 90 percent of students reside off-campus, placing pressure on accommodation and lecture facilities. He announced that the university has secured financial clearance for revised contract sums to complete stalled gateway projects.
He further disclosed that UBIDS has adopted a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model under a Build-Operate-Transfer framework to accelerate campus expansion. A sod-cutting ceremony was recently held for a major project valued at 6.6 million US dollars.
The project includes: A three-storey hostel block with 47 en-suite rooms, A two-storey lecture theatre complex with eight lecture halls, 22 offices, four common rooms, and 78 lavatories, a 200-capacity parking lot, and integrated solar energy systems to promote sustainability.
“These projects reflect UBIDS’ commitment to providing modern teaching facilities, improving accommodation, and ensuring long-term institutional excellence,” he said.
Turning his attention to student conduct, the Vice-Chancellor delivered a strong message on punctuality, maturity, and academic honesty.
“University education requires maturity and personal responsibility,” he stressed, warning against plagiarism and habitual lateness.
“If you copied your way here and were not caught, we will catch you and take you out of the system. But if you are ready to learn, we will support you to progress,” he cautioned.
The Vice-Chancellor expressed profound gratitude to academic and administrative staff for their resilience and dedication despite operational challenges.
“Your sacrifices, professionalism, and tireless efforts continue to sustain our teaching, research, and institutional advancement,” he said. He congratulating the matriculating students and wishing them a successful academic journey.
“May your years here be marked by growth, discovery, discipline, and excellence. May God bless UBIDS and our dear country, Ghana.”
