The University of Business and Integrated Development Studies (UBIDS) has held its Second Congregation of the School of Law and a Special Congregation of the School of Graduate Studies at the New Auditorium on the Bamahu Campus in Wa, celebrating the achievements of 70 Bachelor of Laws (LLB) graduates and 298 postgraduate graduates.
The ceremony brought together a distinguished gathering of dignitaries, including the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin; the Minister for Labour, Jobs and Employment, Hon. Dr. Abdul-Rashid Hassan Pelpuo; the Upper West Regional Minister, Hon. Lawyer Charles Lwanga Puozuing; Members of the Governing Council; University Management; heads of regional security agencies; industry representatives; traditional and religious leaders; staff; alumni; parents; stakeholders; and other invited guests, to celebrate another significant milestone in the University’s growth.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of the Governing Council, Hon. Dr. Benjamin Bewa-Nyog Kunbuor, Esq., described the occasion as a historic moment for UBIDS. He congratulated the graduates and reaffirmed the University’s commitment to producing ethically grounded, globally competitive professionals who will contribute to justice, research, innovation and national development. He highlighted the strategic role of the School of Law in expanding access to legal education in northern Ghana and commended the University’s growing contribution to research, international partnerships and digital transformation.
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Emmanuel Kanchebe Derbile, celebrated the University’s continued academic progress, noting that UBIDS’ pioneer law graduates recorded an impressive performance in the Ghana School of Law entrance examinations. He also announced that the University has been approved to offer the newly introduced one-year Pre-Bar programme under Ghana’s legal education reforms, positioning UBIDS as a key centre for legal education in northern Ghana.
Prof. Derbile further appealed for increased investment in the University’s infrastructure to address challenges relating to lecture halls, offices, student accommodation, roads and other facilities, while reaffirming Management’s commitment to expanding academic programmes, strengthening research and pursuing strategic partnerships.
Delivering the keynote address, the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, commended UBIDS for its remarkable growth and described the University as an important driver of research, innovation and national development. He assured the University of government’s continued support in addressing its infrastructure needs and welcomed the legal education reforms that have enabled accredited universities, including UBIDS, to deliver the Pre-Bar programme. He also pledged continued support for the University’s development, particularly the School of Law, and proposed new academic programmes.
The three speakers encouraged the graduates to uphold the values of integrity, professionalism, innovation and service as they begin the next phase of their lives. They urged them to use the knowledge and skills acquired at UBIDS to advance justice, promote sustainable development and contribute meaningfully to their communities and the nation.
The congregation reaffirmed UBIDS’ growing reputation as a leading institution committed to academic excellence, research, innovation and transformative development in northern Ghana and beyond.