The Simon Diedong Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies (SDD-UBIDS) held a historic Maiden Congregation for the first batch of students from the School of Law, alongside postgraduate students from various faculties and schools. The well-attended event was held on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at the University’s New Auditorium.
In his address, the Chairman of the University Council, Dr. Benjamin Bewa-Nyog Kunbuor, Esq., welcomed all participants, indicating that the event was a celebration of academic excellence, intellectual achievements, and the unwavering spirit of perseverance, emphasising the critical role of legal education and research in nation-building.
He praised the University’s Leadership and Management for its commitment to establishing the University as a center of excellence in teaching and research. Touching on the broader national agenda, he echoed the Government’s vision for reforms and inclusive development, highlighting efforts to expand access to tertiary education, particularly in STEM fields, and to improve university infrastructure through private sector partnerships.
On the legal front, he acknowledged the critical role of the justice system in strengthening democracy and restoring public trust. He announced that a Legal Education Reform Bill was being prepared to enhance the quality and accessibility of legal education, while protecting the independence of the judiciary.
Addressing the graduating students, the Council Chair applauded their hard work, perseverance, and achievement, encouraging them to bear the torch of knowledge and service in championing the development of society. He extended heartfelt appreciation to faculty, staff, families, and stakeholders whose contributions made the day possible.
In closing, the Chairman reaffirmed the Governing Council’s commitment to the University’s growth, guided by the values of integrity, innovation, inclusion, and impact. The ceremony, he said, stood as both a celebration and a call for shared responsibility in building a stronger university and nation.
Delivering the valedictory speech, Miss Sherita Agnes Asaa Kwakye, the best graduating student of the LLB Degree class, inspired her colleagues to embrace their responsibilities as aspiring legal professionals and changemakers. Reflecting on her academic journey, she urged her peers to persevere in their career pursuits. As the Best Graduating Law Student, Ms. Kwakye received three (3) academic awards (The Vice-Chancellor’s Award, Dean of the School of Law Awards and Ghana Commercial Bank Award), a feat that drew loud applause from the audience.
On his part, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Emmanuel Kanchebe Derbile, acknowledged the presence of all the dignitaries and participants and congratulated the graduands comprising the 61 from the School of Law and 74 from the School of Graduate Studies and Research, noting the significance of their achievements for the University and the Nation. He applauded the supervisors, faculty and administrative staff for their commitment to quality education and institutional growth. He said the event was a significant milestone for the University, Northern Ghana, and the Nation at large and sincerely praised all the stakeholders including the visionary leadership who extended tertiary education to Northern Ghana and all who diligently worked in the realisation of the establishment of the School of Law in the University.
He highlighted some key strides made by the University including the introduction of the Graduate Student Assistant Lecturer fee waiver initiative, expansion of programme accreditations, staff development and research capacity building programmes, tree planting exercise, and a number of infrastructure projects funded through GETFund. He reiterated the fact that the University remains committed to deepening academic excellence, promoting innovative research and aligning its mission with national developmental goals as well as global trending best practices. He remarked, “We are building a university that does not only educate, but also empowers; one that does not only graduate students, but nurtures leaders to deliver the change that the world so much desires.”
On infrastructural development and financing, Professor Derbile decried the huge infrastructure deficit in the University which included stalled projects such as the library complex, two lecture halls, an auditorium, an office complex, and a 600-bed hostel arising from funding challenges.
He thanked the President, H.E. John Dramani Mahama, for the seed money of Ten Million Ghana cedis (GhS 10,000,000.00) as announced by the education minister for infrastructure development in the University, and passionately appealed to the President to further assist Management to bridge the huge funding gaps by completing projects through government’s flagship Big Push Agenda on infrastructure.
The representative of the Minister for Education, Professor Augustine Ocloo, who was the Special Guest of Honour, commended the University strongly for its commitment, dedication and perseverance in training students including its diligence in graduating the first batch of students from the School of Law in the Northern sector. He assured that government was ready and willing to support the University financially in its quest towards becoming a Centre of Excellence.
The President of the Ghana Bar Association, Mrs. Efua Ghartey, congratulated the graduands and assured them of the readiness of the association in welcoming them aboard upon their successful professional training.
Some Graduands Share Their Excitement
The atmosphere was electrified with joy and pride as graduands poured out their emotions. A graduating law student remarked, “It feels surreal! We are not just graduating, we are making history,”. A postgraduate graduand also commented, “This day crowns years of sleepless nights and sacrifices. I feel empowered to contribute meaningfully to national development.” Others were moved to tears, overcome with deep feeling of gratitude and achievement.
Appreciation to Stakeholders
The Registrar of the SDD-UBIDS, Mr. Job Asante, on behalf of the University Management expressed profound gratitude to all stakeholders, faculty, staff, students, families, and partners, for their support in making the programme a success.
High profile dignitaries at the event were: Barima Yaw Oppong, Esq., Director of Legal Education in Ghana and Director of the Ghana School of Law; Prof. Raymond A. Atuguba, former Dean of the University of Ghana School of Law; the Pro-Vice Chancellor of SDD-UBIDS, Professor Issaka Kanton Osumanu; and the leader of the Upper West Parliamentary Caucus, Honourable Sebastian Ngmenenso Sandaare, Member of Parliament for Daffiama/Bussie/Issa Constituency. Deans, Directors, Heads of Department and Members of Convocation also graced the occasion. Additionally, present to grace the ceremony were representatives of the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Wa; the Overlord of the Waala Traditional Area; representatives of the Upper West Regional House of Chiefs; the Bamahu Naa; the paramount Chief of the Jirapa Traditional Area; the paramount Chief of the Daffiama traditional area; and the Divisional Chief of Duori.