The University of Business and Integrated Development Studies (UBIDS), through its Counselling Unit, on 26th February 2026 held an orientation at the New Auditorium to prepare Level 100 students for their first university examinations. The programme focused on student registration, lecturer assessment, procedures for assessing and resolving issues related to examination results, and techniques for answering examination questions.
The orientation brought together key academic figures, including the Dean of Students, Professor Paul Bata Domanban; the Director of Academic Planning and Quality Assurance, Professor Kenneth Peprah; the Exams Officer at the Faculty of Social Sciences and Arts, Professor Samuel Twumasi Amoah; and the University Counsellor, Mr. Ayamba Iddrisu Abubakari.
The Dean of Students, Professor Paul Bata Domanban, who chaired the orientation programme, in his address explained the rationale for organising the session. He stated that the programme is an important component of university life, as it provides students with a clear understanding of examination procedures, regulations, and assessment standards. He added that it also serves as a measure for evaluating whether the objectives of academic programmes are being achieved.
He assured students that there would be room for clarification, emphasising that examination questions are set within the appropriate academic context and based on what has been taught.
Prof. Bata encouraged students to engage in extensive reading and research in preparation for their examinations. He further entreated them to take the orientation seriously, as it would help them better understand the University’s grading system and examination expectations. He stressed that awareness of and compliance with these regulations would help students avoid misconduct and remain focused on their academic goals.
Professor Peprah emphasised the “Golden Rule of Enrolment,” stressing that failure to register on the University Information Management System (UIMS) at the beginning of the trimester renders a student ineligible to sit examinations or access university services. He guided students through the registration process and urged them to meet all deadlines and keep proof of registration.
He also explained that lecturer assessment is a mandatory online exercise conducted before examinations. Students who fail to complete the assessment will be unable to access their results. He again assured students that the evaluation process is anonymous.
Regarding results, Prof. Peprah outlined the institutional approval process that must be completed before grades are released. He advised students on the steps to take if they encounter issues such as incomplete grades or discrepancies. He encouraged them to follow the formal chain of command Head of Department, Dean, and Dean of Students when seeking redress, and to keep copies of all correspondence.
The second presenter, Professor Samuel Twumasi Amoah, delivered a practical presentation titled “How to Answer Examination Questions.” His session focused on helping freshmen understand that success in university examinations requires not only knowledge of course content but also the ability to present answers in a clear, structured, and coherent manner.
In his presentation, Prof. Twumasi Amoah provided practical guidance to help students translate their preparation into excellent performance. He described examinations as the lifeline of a student’s stay at the university, explaining that they test not only knowledge but also discipline, independent thinking, time management, and academic growth. He indicated that university examinations at the lower levels expose students to concepts, theories, and the evolution of bodies of knowledge, while at the upper levels they require students to explain, examine, and apply these concepts critically.
He further outlined the types of questions students are likely to encounter, including objective questions, brief notes, and essay or practical questions. For objective questions, he advised students to indicate their answers clearly as instructed. When answering brief notes, he recommended providing a short introduction, highlighting key points without unnecessary elaboration, and ending with a concise conclusion. Regarding essay and practical questions, he encouraged students to begin with an introduction that demonstrates understanding of the question, provide relevant definitions where necessary, and outline key points for discussion. He stressed the importance of structuring answers clearly and coherently, stating points plainly, explaining them with clarity, supporting arguments with practical examples, and connecting ideas logically. He urged students to focus on important details without omitting critical information and to conclude by summarising their discussion.
Prof. Amoah also reminded students to read and understand all instructions carefully, write legibly for ease of marking, number their answers clearly, and always review their work before submission. He emphasised that proper preparation leads to good performance and that preparation begins from the very first day of lectures.
Mr. Ayamba Iddrisu Abubakari, the University Counsellor, delivered a detailed presentation on effective revision for examinations. He explained that revision is the structured process of revisiting what one has already learned in preparation for assessment. According to him, effective revision goes beyond merely re-reading notes and involves deliberate reinforcement of learning. He introduced students to the processes of memory encoding, storage, and retrieval, and explained the roles of sensory memory, short-term memory, and long-term memory in learning. He emphasised that consistent rehearsal and practice are necessary to transfer knowledge into long-term memory, where it can be retained for a longer period. He reminded students that successful studentship is not about how much one studies, but how well one studies.
Other presentations focused on what lecturers look for when marking scripts, the grading system, probation, repetition and withdrawal, effective revision strategies, and managing examination anxiety. These were delivered by Dr. Florence Avogo, Dr. Yaw Afriyie, and Dr. Flora Chirani.
In brief interactions after the programme, some freshers expressed appreciation for the initiative, noting that the orientation had given them clarity on examination expectations and practical strategies for success.
The programme forms part of UBIDS’ commitment to promoting academic excellence, integrity, and holistic student development. By combining regulatory guidance, effective revision strategies, and practical answering techniques, the University continues to equip its students with the tools needed to excel in their academic journey.