The Simon Diedong Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies (SDD-UBIDS) has officially welcomed its 1,226 newly admitted postgraduate distance and weekend students for the 2025/2026 Academic Year. The Ceremony, held on November 15, 2025, at the University’s new auditorium, marked the formal induction of these students into the academic community.
Delivering his address, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Emmanuel Kanchebe Derbile, welcomed the matriculants and highlighted the significance of the ceremony as the beginning of their academic and professional advancement. He emphasized that the University’s ongoing commitment to widening access to quality higher education is an effort strengthened by the establishment of the Institute for Distance Education and Learning (IDEL) in 2024. IDEL, he noted, was created to provide flexible study pathways for workers and to coordinate all distance and weekend postgraduate programmes.
Prof. Derbile announced that the University admitted 1,226 postgraduate students for the 2025/2026 Academic Year. This comprised 801 males (65%) and 425 females (35%), reflecting a remarkable 58% increase in enrolment compared to the previous year.
Addressing the matriculants, the Vice-Chancellor reminded them that excellence in postgraduate studies demands discipline, dedication, effective time management, sacrifice, and resilience, especially for those balancing academic work with professional and family obligations. He encouraged them to approach learning with curiosity, embrace challenges, and pursue knowledge that contributes not only to personal growth but also to national and global development.
He reaffirmed the university’s commitment to academic excellence, assuring students that all postgraduate programmes at SDD-UBIDS are benchmarked against high national and international standards. He urged them to participate actively in seminars, collaborate with faculty, uphold academic integrity, and take advantage of the University’s supportive learning environment.
Prof. Derbile concluded by reminding the students that SDD-UBIDS is a young, dynamic, and ambitious institution built on the values of hard work, integrity, and innovation. He encouraged them to take ownership of their learning, build meaningful networks, and use their education to champion justice, inclusion, and sustainable development.
The Director of the Institute for Distance Education and Learning, Prof. Samuel Z. Bonye, presented the matriculants for the administration of the Matriculation Oath which was administered by the Vice-Chancellor. The signing of the Matriculation Registers followed; thus, officially confirming their status as students of SDD-UBIDS.