By Abigail Nurutome Sommutaar
Wa, (UW/R), Sept. 30, GNA-Professor Emmanuel Kanchebe Derbile, the newly inducted Vice-Chancellor of the SDD University of Business and Integrated Development Studies (SDD-UBIDS), has pledged commitment to bridging the gap between academia and industry through practical-oriented training.
He emphasised that as the leader of the university, he would ensure innovative research to equip the students of the institution with skills relevant to the job market.
Prof. Derbile pledged the commitment during his investiture as the second Vice-Chancellor of the SDD-UBIDS following the retirement of Prof. Philip Duku Osei, the first Vice-Chancellor of the university early 2024.
“An adaptive and entrepreneurial university, which promotes practical-oriented training, is imperative for steering our young university towards achieving growth, impact, and sustainability.
“My vision is to establish SDD-UBIDS as a centre of academic excellence, promoting innovative and integrated approaches to learning, adaptation, and entrepreneurship,” he indicated.
Prof. Derbile said he would implement a strategic and market-driven expansion in academic programming while increasing student enrollments.
He also expressed commitment to diversifying funding sources for the university through “grantsmanship” and other innovative ways to develop the university.
The new Vice-Chancellor acknowledged the challenges associated with the office of the vice-chancellor particularly for “a young and resource-constrained university like SDD-UBIDS”.
He appealed for prayers and support to make his vision for the university become a reality.
Prof. Derbile, a renowned Development Planning expert, until his elevation to the position of Vice-Chancellor, was the Pro-Vice-Chancellor of the university.
He brought over 25 years of experience in academia, research, and administration to his new position.
Mr Kweku Yamoah Paintsil, the Chairperson of the University Governing Council stated that the appointment of Prof. Derbile was a testament to his unwavering dedication, exceptional leadership, and “profound understanding of the complexities within the realm of business and integrated development.”
“Under your stewardship, this university will continue to flourish, fostering an environment where innovation, research, and social responsibility thrive”, he added
Mr Stephen Yakubu, the Upper West Regional Minister who represented the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akuffo-Addo, entreated Prof. Derbile to foster a learning environment that promoted critical thinking and encouraged research.
He urged the VC to lead the university’s affairs with wisdom, inclusiveness, and a deep sense of purpose.
The SDD-UBIDS gained autonomy from the University for Development Studies (UDS) in 2019 through Act 1001.
Traditional leaders, Stakeholders from the academia, the University Council Members, staff, students at the university, family, friends, and well-wishers of Pro. Derbile attended the investiture ceremony.
GNA