The Simon Diedong Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies (SDD-UBIDS) has officially welcomed 4,332 newly admitted students into its academic community following a successful matriculation ceremony held on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at the university’s New Auditorium.

The colourful event marked the beginning of the student’s academic journey, during which they pledged their commitment to the university’s values of excellence, integrity, and service to society. The ceremony was attended by faculty members, university administrators, special guests, and families of the matriculants.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor of SDD-UBIDS, Prof. Emmanuel Kanchebe Derbile, disclosed that the university admitted approximately 88% of all applicants for the 2024/2025 academic year, representing a one-percentage-point increase from the previous year.

He noted that out of the total number of admitted students, 62% were male, while 38% were female. While acknowledging the steady growth in admissions, he emphasized the need for more female participation in higher education.

As part of efforts to bridge the gender gap in higher education, Prof. Derbile announced the imminent launch of the Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship Award, a scheme aimed at supporting brilliant but financially disadvantaged students at the undergraduate level, with a special focus on female students.

“The scholarship will focus on girls. I am pleased to announce that Stanbic Bank has already donated forty thousand Ghana cedis towards this initiative. I encourage other partners, corporate organizations, and philanthropists to support this noble cause,” he stated.

Prof. Derbile urged the newly admitted students to take their academic work seriously, remain disciplined, and adhere to university rules and regulations. He reminded them that degrees are earned through diligence and perseverance.

“While the university will provide you with all the necessary academic resources and a conducive learning environment, it is your responsibility to study hard, attend lectures, and make the most of the opportunities available to you,” he advised.

He further emphasized the importance of good character and respect for both faculty and fellow students, noting that academic excellence should go hand in hand with ethical behaviour.

SDD-UBIDS, a fast-growing university in Ghana, continues to attract students from diverse backgrounds due to its strong academic programs and commitment to development-oriented education. With the expansion of its infrastructure and new academic initiatives, the university aims to position itself as a centre of excellence-centredness, development studies, and research.

The matriculation ceremony ended with a collective recitation of the university’s matriculation oath, officially inducting the students into the institution.

Source: Sissala Radio/Tumu