SDD-UBIDS, under the strategic leadership of its Directorate of Research, has once again demonstrated its leadership in innovation and skills development by winning a coveted grant under the EU-Ghana Pact for Skills initiative. The project, valued at Hundred Thousand United States Dollars (US$ 100,000.00) is part of a broader programme spearheaded by the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) with funding from the European Union.

The EU-Ghana Pact for Skills initiative targets tertiary students in Ghana’s public universities, aiming to tackle the persistent challenge of graduate unemployment, particularly among women. This is in response to the growing concern over the mismatch between academic training and industry demands, as well as the limited exposure to entrepreneurial and digital competencies.

SDD-UBIDS is among six (6) universities selected from several applicants nationwide to receive the grant. The University’s winning proposal, developed in partnership with innovation accelerator Noni Hub, focuses on preparing students for immediate integration into the job market, especially within the green and digital sectors. It also emphasises nurturing entrepreneurial talent capable of driving job creation.

Sangyoung Jung (in the middle) is the Country’s Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Specialist of UNCDF

Bridging the Gap Between Education and Employment

The project seeks to improve the transition of university graduates into the workforce by enhancing their readiness for the modern economy. Key outcomes expected from the initiative include:

  1. Strengthened collaboration between tertiary institutions and the private sector, alongside increased policy engagement.
  2. Expanded training offerings in digital skills tailored to market demands.
  3. Enhanced career guidance and employability support services for students.

Targeted Student Training

Approximately 500 second-year students from the Faculty of ICT (studying Computer Science) and the School of Business (pursuing Business Management and Entrepreneurship) will benefit from the training programme. These students will undergo intensive capacity-building sessions designed to equip them with both technical skills and an entrepreneurial mindset essential for navigating today’s dynamic job market.

With this achievement, SDD-UBIDS reinforces its commitment to bridging the education-employment gap and advancing inclusive, skills-based development for Ghana’s youth.

 

PROJECT TEAM

Name  Designation
Dr George Nanko Dery Project Lead, SDD-UBIDS
Prof. Frederick Dayour Administrative Head, SDD-UBIDS
Mr. Nicolas Tanye Digital Skills Training Coordinator, SDD-UBIDS
Dr. Sulemana B. Egala Digital Skills Training Trainer, SDD-UBIDS
Mr. Salihu Mohammed Awal Digital Skills Trainer/ Mentor, Noni HuB
Ms. Rahinatu Haruna Digital Skills Mentor, Noni HuB
Dr. Felicia Naatu Career and Employability Services Coordinator and Coach, SDD-UBIDS
Dr. Lea Anzagra Monitory and Evaluation Officer, SDD-UBIDS
Mr. Roger Y. Zolko-Ere Accountant, SDD-UBIDS