The Guidance and Counselling Unit of the University of Business and Integrated Development Studies (UBIDS) has held an orientation programme for fresh men and women admitted for the 2025/2026 Academic Year. The programme, held on February 3, 2026, at the New Auditorium, formed part of the University’s official induction activities for fresh students aimed at preparing them for academic work and campus life.
The event brought together members of University Management, senior members, faculty and school officers, as well as 1,245 newly admitted students. Participants were introduced to the University’s academic culture, regulations, and student support services to ensure a smooth transition into university life.
The Fresh students were taken through the historical development of UBIDS, from its origins as the Faculty of Integrated Development Studies of the former University for Development Studies (UDS) to its establishment as an autonomous public university. They were informed that UBIDS formally began academic operations in 2020 following Parliamentary approval.
The University currently operates multiple faculties and schools, with over twenty academic departments offering programmes at the diploma, undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
In his welcome address, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Emmanuel Kanchebe Derbile, congratulated the fresh students on their admission and urged them to embrace discipline, hard work, and compliance with University rules and regulations as foundations for academic success.
He highlighted the University’s Practical Training Programme (PTP) as a core component of UBIDS’ academic philosophy, exposing students to real-life development issues through community engagement.
Professor Derbile reminded the students that registration is mandatory for full studentship and reaffirmed Management’s continuous commitment to improving infrastructure and the teaching and learning environment. He further encouraged students facing financial challenges to take advantage of existing government financial support policies, including the stress-free fee arrangements for first-year students, and urged them to share the information with colleagues who may not yet be aware of these opportunities.
The Pro Vice-Chancellor, Professor Issaka Kanton Osumanu, traced the University’s development within the broader multi-campus philosophy of higher education in northern Ghana. He explained that the University for Development Studies (UDS), Wa Campus attained full university status in August 2019 and was formally renamed the University of Business and Integrated Development Studies in December 2025 by an Act of Parliament. He noted that UBIDS now operates 28 academic departments offering programmes from diploma to doctoral levels.
The Registrar, Dr. Job Asante, reminded fresh students of key administrative requirements, including providing Ghana Card details to benefit from government stress-free fee policy. He further indicated that medical screening at the University Medical Centre was mandatory and must be completed before participation in the matriculation ceremony, which formally admits students into the University.
Fresh students were allowed to make inquiries about other issues bothering them. A few of their inquiries were about lecture timetables, access programmes, and campus facilities. University officials responded and assured students that Management is actively addressing both academic and infrastructural needs to create the necessary conducive environment for their studies.
The programme ended with students expressing appreciation to the University Management, staff, and other stakeholders. The Guidance and Counselling Unit reaffirmed its commitment to providing academic guidance, counselling, and career support throughout students’ stay at UBIDS.