The University of Business and Integrated Development Studies (UBIDS), through its Counselling Unit, on Tuesday, 10 November 2026, commenced a three-day orientation programme for newly admitted students for the 2026/2027 academic year. One Thousand, Seven Hundred and Sixty-Eight (1,768) fresh students, participated in the programme.
The programme is designed to familiarise newly admitted students with the University’s academic environment, administrative procedures, institutional regulations and support services to facilitate their transition into university life.
Delivering the welcome address on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Emmanuel Kanchebe Derbile, the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kanton I. Osumanu, congratulated the students on their admission and stressed on the importance of completing the registration process to attain formal student status. He also encouraged them to build relationships across the University and participate actively in academic and extracurricular activities.
“Don’t just pass through the university, but let the university pass through you as well,” Prof. Osumanu advised, urging the students to make full use of the opportunities and support available through University staff, the Students’ Representative Council (SRC) and the National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS).
Prof. Osumanu also traced UBIDS’s evolution from the Faculty of Integrated Development Studies under the University for Development Studies (UDS) to its establishment as an autonomous university in May 2020. He outlined the University’s academic structure and explained the trimester system, under which the first two trimesters are devoted to lectures and examinations, while the third focuses on practical training. He encouraged students to identify with the University’s institutional identity and contribute to its reputation.
The Dean of Students, Prof. Paul Domanban Bata, urged the students to set high academic goals, embrace independent learning and form study groups to strengthen their academic performance. He also emphasised on the importance of student discipline and urged them to familiarise themselves with the University’s Regulations for Junior Members. He further advised students to seek timely support from the Office of the Dean of Students and the Counselling Unit when faced with academic, personal or social challenges.
Speaking on Meeting the Challenges of Campus Life, Prof. John Yaw Akparep, Dean of the School of Business, highlighted on time management, emotional well-being and financial discipline as essential to university success. He urged newly admitted students to attend lectures regularly and on time, take their studies seriously, build a strong CGPA from the first trimester and avoid distractions. He also advised them to live within their means and prioritise their academic expenses.
In a motivational address, the Dean of the Faculty of Social Science and Arts, Prof. Naasegnibe Kuunibe, urged the students not to allow their present circumstances or admission to programmes other than their preferred choices to limit their future aspirations. He encouraged them to recognise their potential, make the most of available learning opportunities and leverage digital technologies to advance their academic development. As Prof. Kuunibe put it, “Your circumstances today are important, but they do not determine your future,” He expressed confidence in the University’s academic staff to guide and support students in realising their ambitions.
The Director of Information Management Services (IMS), Mr. Ophelius Yinyeh Mhaaneeh, guided students on the online registration process, highlighting the University’s official website and UMIS portal as key information and registration platforms. He also outlined available digital support services, including Wi-Fi, the help desk and technical assistance, while urging students to use official communication channels and handle University ICT equipment responsibly.
Addressing students on the University’s regulations, Prof. Joseph Kwame Wulifan, the Vice-Dean of Students, urged them to familiarise themselves with and comply with the Regulations for Junior Members, particularly those relating to registration, lecture attendance, examinations and academic integrity. He cautioned against misconduct, including bullying, harassment and plagiarism, and advised students to obtain the necessary approvals before organising events or undertaking activities requiring University authorisation. He also encouraged them to read the regulations, follow official notices and seek clarification from the appropriate authorities when necessary.