The University of Business and Integrated Development Studies (UBIDS) has officially cut sod for a major infrastructure project involving the construction of a 1,000-capacity multipurpose hostel and a lecture theatre complex. This ceremony was held on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, on the University campus. The project is being financed by Othniel Limited in partnership with DODCARS LBG, the infrastructure development directorate of the College for Community and Organisational Development (CCOD), under a Build-Jointly Operate and Transfer (BJOT) arrangement.
The project comprises two major components. The first is a three-storey hostel block designed to accommodate students and commercial activities. The hostel project, estimated at US$3,644,246.93, contains 47 rooms, each designed for a minimum of two occupants, with en-suite washrooms, balconies, a business centre, a courtyard, a reception area, and administrative offices.
The second component is a two-storey lecture theatre complex featuring eight lecture halls, twenty-two offices, four lecturers’ common rooms, and seventy-eight lavatories, complemented by a 200-capacity parking lot and landscaped surroundings. This component is estimated at GHS 31,910,778.77.
According to the President of the College for Community and Organisational Development (CCOD), Dr. Gabriel Gbiel Benarkuu, the project is being implemented by DODCARS LBG in partnership with Othniel Limited, the project investor, and in collaboration with Engineering, Procurement and Construction Contractors (EPCC), geotechnical survey teams, and other technical experts responsible for delivering the facilities. He explained that DODCARS’ core mandate is to mobilise financing and drive effective implementation, with a focus on delivering quality student hostels, accommodation, and other purpose-built facilities that respond to students’ evolving needs.
Dr. Benarkuu further noted that UBIDS is benefiting from infrastructure financing under a Public–Private Partnership Build–Jointly Operate and Transfer (PPP–BJOT) framework, valued at USD 6,626,562.70. He added that the investor, Othniel Limited, has demonstrated firm commitment to the project by stating funding commitment covering a twelve (12)-month period, commencing in January 2026. “We believe in the transformative power of education and are proud to support this initiative,” Othniel Limited Chief Operating Officer (COO) stated.
In concluding his remarks, Dr. Benarkuu announced plans to establish an appreciative leadership-focused foundation on campus, noting that the initiative would contribute significantly to appreciative leadership development (ALD), organisational development (OD), action research (AR), and capacity building for both academia and entrepreneurs outside the University community.
Speaking at the ceremony, the COO of Othniel Limited, Mr. Jude Robert Kwapong reaffirmed the company’s readiness to commence work immediately. “These facilities have been carefully designed to serve multiple purposes – student accommodation, teaching, and commercial activity—while meeting modern standards of quality and sustainability. Subject to the timely release of funds, we are confident that the projects can be completed within schedule,” he stated.
The Contractor for the project is Steelcore Technologies Ltd, led by its Director, Mr. Katey. Other members of the delegation included Ing. Alex Kello; Dr. Abdulai Abdul Nafeo (Contractor); Mr. Yahaya Bin Yahaya; Mr. James Messan; Mr. Dennis Sa-uri; Mr. Seidu Mohammed (Contractor); Ing. Moses Nabil (Geotechnical Surveyor); and Mr. Tie Gaeten.
In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Emmanuel Kanchebe Derbile, who was visibly excited, described the project as a historic intervention aimed at addressing the growing demand for student accommodation and modern teaching spaces at the University. According to him, about 90% of UBIDS students stay outside the University campus, hence, this intervention would mark a significant milestone in the University’s drive to expand academic and residential facilities. He expressed his gratitude to all the stakeholders and reiterated Management’s commitment to fostering partnerships that support sustainable infrastructure development.
Professor Emmanuel Kanchebe Derbile, described the projects as critical investments in the University’s future. “This sod-cutting ceremony signifies more than the start of construction; it reflects UBIDS’ commitment to providing a conducive teaching and learning environment through innovative and sustainable partnerships. As our student numbers grow, expanding our infrastructure is no longer optional – it is imperative,” he noted.
Professor Derbile commended Othniel Limited and Group for embracing the PPP–BJOT model, describing it as a mutually beneficial approach that ensures quality delivery, accountability, and long-term institutional value. “We are particularly encouraged by the integration of renewable energy solutions into the project designs, including solar power systems with excess capacity for grid contribution. This aligns fully with our sustainability agenda and revenue diversification strategy,” he added.
As part of the ceremony, copies of the project agreement were formally presented to the Vice-Chancellor for distribution to the relevant institutions, including the Ministry of Education and other key stakeholders, in accordance with established protocol.
Management members who were present at the ceremony included the Pro Vice Chancellor, Prof. Issaka Kanton Osumanu; Registrar, Dr. Job Asante; the Director of University Relations, Dr. Fidelis Z. Tang; Director of Works and Municipal Services, Ing. Reginald Assibey-Ankrah; Estate Officer, Ing. David Ackah; UTAG President, Dr. Godwin T. W. Achana; UTAG Secretary, Dr. Dramani File; the Director of Procurement, Mr. Philip Awafo, an Assistant Registrar, Mr. Mohammed Dombo, Mr. Joseph W. Gyelaa, Mr. Santo John, Mr. Sebastian Dakurah, and Mr. Suru Ajongba Desmond,