UDS names Library after Rawlings

The University for Development Studies (UDS) has named its Nyankpala Campus Library after former President Jerry John Rawlings in recognition of his contribution towards the establishment of the UDS in May 1992.

Dr Abdulai Salifu, Chairman of the Governing Council of UDS, who announced this at the university’s 14th congregation in Tamale on Saturday, said “This was upon a recommendation from the Academic Board and subsequent approval by the University Council.”

In all, 1,981 graduands from its Tamale, Nyankpala and Navrongo Campuses, were presented with degrees and diplomas in fields including Nursing, Community Nutrition, and Agricultural Technology, while19 graduate students were presented with Master of Arts, Master of Science, Master of Philosophy and Doctor of Philosophy Degrees in various fields.

The congregation for students of its (UDS) Wa Campus was held on December 11, 2013, during which 3285 students graduated with various degrees and diplomas.

Dr Salifu said “In taking the decision, the University took into consideration the role played by former President Rawlings in the establishment of the UDS.”

He said “In 1994, Mr Rawlings personally donated an amount of 50,000,00 dollars, which was his prize money for the Award of Sustainable End of Hunger in Africa, to the UDS, for the procurement of books and reading materials for the University Library.”

He said, accordingly, UDS deemed it fit to name the Library after Mr Rawlings, adding a bust of Mr Rawlings had also been mounted at the forecourt of the same library.

Just about two months ago, UDS also conferred on Mr Rawlings a Doctor of Letters Degree in recognition of his contribution towards the establishment of the UDS.

Dr Salifu spoke about educational training in the country, and called on the Ministry of Education to review the curriculum of basic schools to make technical and vocational courses compulsory for all pupils up to Junior High School level.

He said the link between industry and educational training was weak saying this was not encouraging because “No nation can attain economic progress and industrial development if educational training ignores the needs and requirements of industry.”

Professor Haruna Yakubu, Vice Chancellor of UDS deplored poor work ethics amongst employees in the country saying the UDS, had therefore, designed a course to be taken by all its students, to help address the situation.

In a speech read for him by Mr Bede Ziedeng, Northern Regional Minister, President John Dramani Mahama urged the university to continue to work hard to strengthen its programmes.

He called on Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies in Northern Ghana to liaise with the UDS to apply its research findings for the benefit of the people.