Northern Regional Minister Ali Adolf John has challenged the new Vice-Chancellor of the University for Development Studies (UDS), Prof. Mohammed Muniru Iddrisu, to reposition the university as a stronger engine for innovation, job creation and practical solutions to Northern Ghana’s development challenges.
He said UDS must go beyond awarding academic certificates and equip graduates with the skills, confidence, character and entrepreneurial capacity required to create opportunities and respond to emerging economic and social challenges.
The Minister made the call in a congratulatory message delivered on his behalf by the Municipal Chief Executive for Gushegu, Adam Abdul Hafiz, at the investiture of Prof. Iddrisu as the university’s sixth Vice-Chancellor on Thursday, September 3, 2026, in Tamale.
Mr Adolf said Prof. Iddrisu assumed office at a time when universities were under increasing pressure to help address unemployment, climate change, food insecurity, public health challenges and rapid technological transformation.
He urged the new administration to build on the achievements of previous Vice-Chancellors while opening new frontiers in innovation, research and skills development.
“Students require knowledge, character, confidence and practical skills to create opportunities for themselves and contribute meaningfully to society,” the Minister said in his message.
He consequently urged UDS to deepen entrepreneurship, innovation and technology-driven training to better prepare graduates for the demands of a rapidly changing global economy.
Mr Adolf also called for stronger partnerships between UDS, government, industry, development agencies and local communities to translate research and academic expertise into practical interventions.
He said such partnerships could unlock opportunities in research, innovation, skills development and livelihood creation while enabling the university to contribute more directly to solving problems confronting communities.
The Minister described UDS as an indispensable development partner to the Northern Region, citing its contributions to agriculture, health, education, governance, environmental sustainability and rural development.
He said the Northern Regional Coordinating Council (NRCC) valued its longstanding relationship with the university and would continue to collaborate with it in development planning, applied research, youth empowerment, agriculture, public health, environmental protection, peacebuilding and the creation of sustainable economic opportunities.
Mr Adolf also urged Prof. Iddrisu to prioritise quality teaching, relevant research, staff development, student welfare and responsible financial and institutional governance.
He congratulated Prof. Iddrisu on his investiture, describing his appointment as recognition of his academic and professional record and a vote of confidence in his ability to lead the university.
The Minister also paid tribute to Prof. Seidu Al-Hassan, the immediate past Vice-Chancellor, and his predecessors for laying foundations that had enabled UDS to expand its academic programmes, infrastructure, research, partnerships and national and international reputation.
He called on the University Council, management, faculty, staff, students, alumni and other stakeholders to support the new administration, saying sustained institutional progress required unity of purpose and a shared commitment to the university’s mission.
Mr Adolf assured Prof. Iddrisu of the continued support and cooperation of the NRCC and expressed confidence that a stronger partnership between the Council and UDS would advance the university and improve the lives of people across the region.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
