By Philip Tengzu, GNA
Wa, (UW/R), Nov. 16, GNA – The Simon Diedong Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies (SDD-UBIDS) has recorded over 50 per cent increase in the weekend and distance postgraduate enrolment into the university in the 2025/2026 academic year over the number admitted last year.
The university admitted a total of 1,226 weekend and distance students into various Faculties and Schools at the postgraduate level, comprising of 801 males and 425 females, representing about a 58 per cent increase in the 2024/2025 admission of 588 students.
Professor Emmanuel Kanchebe Derbile, the Vice-Chancellor of the SDD-UBIDS, revealed this at the weekend during a special induction ceremony for students admitted into the distance and weekend programmes of the school.
He indicated that the establishment of the Institute for Distance Education and Learning (IDEL) in 2024 had positioned UBIDS as a key partner in the government’s agenda of widening access to tertiary education.
“This is a strong indicator of growing confidence in the quality and relevance of our postgraduate programmes.
The University is determined and working hard to align with the government’s policy of expanding access to good quality and inclusive tertiary education”, Prof. Derbile explained.
He said the Institute for Distance Education and Learning coordinated all distance and weekend programmes to provide flexible learning opportunities for working professionals.
The Vice-Chancellor emphasised that UBIDS remained committed to providing a conducive learning environment that fostered academic excellence, innovation, and the development of leadership skills.
“Our postgraduate programmes are carefully designed to meet national and international standards, equipping students with the knowledge, analytical skills, and leadership competencies needed to solve complex development challenges and foster professional growth”, he explained.
Prof. Derbile urged the matriculants to uphold discipline, engage actively in academic activities, and demonstrate intellectual curiosity throughout their studies.
He also encouraged them to balance their academic pursuits with work and family obligations, noting that success in postgraduate education required resilience, focus, and effective time management.
He assured the students of the university’s support through quality teaching, mentorship, and efficient academic administration to enable them achieve their educational objectives.
He said though a young university, SDD-UBIDS was built on values of integrity, hard work, and innovation saying, “Embrace challenges as opportunities to grow, and never lose sight of your purpose here.”
Prof. Derbile also encouraged the students to take responsibility for their learning journey and use the knowledge they would acquire to contribute to a more just, inclusive, and sustainable world.
GNA
Edited by Caesar Abagali/Christian Akorlie