The Parliamentary Select Committee on Education visited the University of Business and Integrated Development Studies (UBIDS) on Thursday, 29 October 2026, to engage University Management on its achievements, operational challenges and development priorities.
The discussions covered the University’s contribution to community development and the Upper West Region, programme quality and accreditation, staffing, infrastructure, financing, gender inclusion, and plans for the Medical School. Management also outlined areas where sustained government and parliamentary support would help UBIDS respond to growing demands.
Management highlighted the impact of the University’s Practical Training Programme (PTP), through which students apply their knowledge and practical skills in communities. Beyond completing academic assignments, students share skills with community members, including training in practical activities, while their reports help communities identify development needs and advocate for projects.
Management said the University’s presence has contributed to changes in the Upper West Region, including development around the campus, growth in transport services and expansion of businesses responding to demand from students and staff. It also shared an example of a young woman who returned to school after being inspired by university students placed in her community and has since qualified as a nurse.
The School of Law reported that 27 of the 47 graduates from its first cohort who registered for the professional entrance examination passed. Management described the result as a significant milestone for the School and an encouraging sign for its future.
However, recruiting lecturers with doctoral qualifications in law remains difficult, as many qualified lawyers choose professional practice and academic vacancies attract limited applications. Management said the University intends to identify promising graduates and support their further training to strengthen the School’s academic capacity. It also noted the importance of continuing to consolidate existing programmes and maintain quality standards as accreditation processes progress.
Staffing was identified as a major institutional challenge. Management reported that UBIDS lost approximately 55 staff during the transition to autonomous status, following arrangements for staff to move across campuses. It indicated that a proposed transfer process might have helped mitigate the loss. The University continues to face pressure in meeting staffing needs, including the recruitment and retention of specialised academic personnel.
Management also drew attention to the need for additional lecture facilities, offices and student accommodation. In response to a request to rank the University’s most pressing needs, the Vice-Chancellor identified staff recruitment as the leading priority, followed by integrated lecture-hall and office facilities, and student accommodation. Staffing requirements remain the most important, the Vice-Chancellor emphasised.
The Vice-Chancellor noted that a proposed 600-bed student accommodation facility would help ease pressure on campus housing, although it would not meet the needs of the entire student population. Management said it would continue to explore options to improve accommodation, including prioritising female students where necessary.
The Director of Finance explained that the University’s principal funding sources are internally generated funds (IGF) and government subvention, which are insufficient to meet all its needs. Management said it was exploring additional revenue opportunities and pursuing public-private partnership arrangements for major infrastructure projects.
The Vice-Chancellor further indicated that proposals for major infrastructure developments, including lecture-hall and office facilities, had been submitted for consideration through the relevant government processes. Management stressed that additional and more predictable funding would be important to sustain growth, strengthen teaching and learning facilities, and respond to increasing demand for admissions.
The proposed development of medical education at UBIDS was also discussed. Management said work had been completed on the requirements for medical training, including the development of foundational facilities and arrangements for clinical training. It was exploring practical models that could involve designated district hospitals and partnerships to support students’ clinical learning and mentorship.
The University Medical Centre’s operational needs were also raised. Management reported progress in service delivery, including the introduction of an electronic health information system, while noting continuing challenges relating to staffing and equipment. It said the Centre required additional personnel and equipment to strengthen its services. Management further indicated that formal recognition of an appropriate teaching-hospital arrangement would be an important step in supporting the University’s medical education ambitions.
On gender representation, Management said enrolment figures are close to parity at diploma level, while differences remain at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The University acknowledged the need to continue addressing these disparities and pointed to the establishment of a centre mandated to provide leadership on gender and social inclusion.
Management also referred to the importance of widening educational opportunities for students from underserved communities and exploring scholarship support for capable students who face financial barriers.
The engagement provided an opportunity for the Committee to seek clarification on the University’s programme delivery, staffing levels, infrastructure, financing and plans for future development. University Management responded to the issues raised and outlined steps being taken to address institutional needs while maintaining academic standards.
UBIDS expressed appreciation to the Parliamentary Select Committee on Education for the visit and the opportunity to discuss the University’s achievements, challenges and priorities. The University looks forward to continued engagement with Parliament and other stakeholders in advancing its mandate and contribution to the development of the Upper West Region.