By Solomon Gumah, GNA
Nyankpala (N/R), Sept 08, GNA – Professor Ibrahim Yakubu Seini, the newly appointed Principal of the University for Development Studies (UDS), Nyankpala Campus has outlined his vision to transform the campus into a modern, secure and student-centred academic environment.
Professor Seini, who recently took office from Professor Mohammed Muniru Iddrisu, the immediate past Principal of the campus, told the Ghana News Agency at Nyankpala that his vision was focused on improving critical infrastructure and basic services, enhancing students’ experience, strengthening academic-industry collaboration and deepening the University’s partnership with surrounding communities.
He identified reliable water supply as one of his major priorities, saying the campus would explore expanding and treating water from a dam in partnership with the Savanna Agricultural Research Institute and other relevant stakeholders.
Professor Seini said he would also prioritise campus security, proposing the securing of the boundaries of the campus and the provision of adequate lighting to improve the safety of students, staff and other members of the university community.
He touched on infrastructure saying efforts would be made to upgrade the campus’ road network, including the asphalting of key roads to improve accessibility and movement within the campus.
Professor Seini said the development and upgrading of lecture halls, laboratories and residential facilities would also receive attention to respond to the growing needs of students and staff.
He identified the upgrading of recreational facilities as an important component of his vision, including the development of a befitting sports stadium complex to improve students’ overall experience and promote physical wellbeing.
Professor Seini envisioned the need to strengthen academic-industry engagement to ensure that research outputs generated by the University were effectively disseminated and translated into practical solutions.
He said stronger collaboration between academia and industry would also create opportunities for innovation, skills development, internships and other forms of professional development for students.
He highlighted partnerships with local communities as a key priority, saying the University had an important role to play in addressing development challenges within communities surrounding the campus.
He said meaningful engagement with local communities would help create mutually beneficial relationships and enable the University to better contribute to local and national development.
Professor Seini joined UDS in 2011 as a lecturer in the Department of Mathematics at the Navrongo Campus
His career at UDS took another significant turn in 2016 when he was transferred to the Nyankpala Campus where he played a pivotal role in the establishment of the School of Engineering.
He has held several academic and leadership positions reflecting his experience in teaching, research, administration, and institutional development.
GNA
Writer’s Email: [email protected]
Edited by Albert Futukpor /Kenneth Odeng Adade