The University of Business and Integrated Development Studies (UBIDS) has held an orientation session for the Level 200 students towards the 2026 Practical Training Programme (PTP), a compulsory field-based component of the University’s experiential learning model designed to equip students with practical skills and community engagement experience.
The orientation, organised by the Directorate of Community Outreach and Business Incubation (DCOBI), was held on Monday, 8 June 2026, at the New Auditorium. The event brought together members of University Management, Deans, Directors, Programme and Field Coordinators to prepare 1,335 Level 200 students for their deployment to communities under the Practical Training Programme.
Addressing the students, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Emmanuel Kanchebe Derbile, described the Practical Training Programme as a defining feature of UBIDS and a key mechanism for linking academic learning with practical development challenges.
He explained that the University’s trimester academic calendar was deliberately structured to accommodate the programme, with the third trimester dedicated to field-based practical training. According to him, the initiative provides students with opportunities to acquire hands-on experience, develop professional competencies and enhance their employability.
Professor Derbile noted that the University operates an “In-Out-Out” model of practical training that enables students to progressively engage in practical learning experiences throughout their academic journey. He stressed that participation in the programme is mandatory and forms an essential requirement for graduation.
He encouraged students to actively engage with host communities, learn from local knowledge systems and conduct themselves responsibly throughout the exercise. He also advised them to prioritise their safety, avoid conflicts and serve as worthy ambassadors of the University.
The Pro Vice-Chancellor, Professor Issaka Osumanu Kanton, reaffirmed the University’s commitment to practical education, describing the PTP as central to the institution’s philosophy of integrating theory with practice.He explained that the six-credit-hour programme enables students to apply classroom knowledge to real-life development situations while strengthening their problem-solving, communication and critical-thinking skills. He added that the programme has contributed significantly to producing graduates who are adaptable, development-oriented and competitive in the labour market.
Providing an overview of the programme, the Director of DCOBI, Professor Stanley Kojo Dery, said the PTP was designed to expose students to practical development challenges while strengthening their research and analytical skills. He noted that students would work in multidisciplinary teams, promoting collaboration, teamwork and peer learning.
The Dean of Students, Professor Paul Domanban Bata, advised participants to respect local customs, traditions, and leadership structures in their host communities. He urged them to maintain positive relationships with residents, uphold the University’s image and avoid behaviours that could compromise their safety or the objectives of the programme.
Students were also taken through the operational guidelines for the field exercise by Dr Thomas Agana, Coordinator of the Faculty of Integrated Development Studies Practical Training Programme. He explained that participants would spend five weeks in their assigned communities conducting community studies through interviews, focus group discussions, questionnaires and other participatory research methods.
According to Dr Agana, students will be assessed based on their field notebooks, group presentations, individual presentations and overall participation in community activities.
The orientation concluded with a presentation on field logistics by Mr Mohammed Dombo, who briefed students on the resources and support systems available to facilitate their work and stay in the various communities.
The Practical Training Programme remains one of UBIDS’ flagship experiential learning initiatives and reflects the University’s commitment to producing graduates equipped with practical skills, research competence and a strong understanding of community development and integrated development practice.