By Philip Tengzu, GNA
Bamahu, (UW/R), Oct. 05 – The Rotary District 9104 and the University of Business and Integrated Development Studies (UBIDS) are exploring a strategic partnership to impact society through education, research, youth empowerment and community development, among others.
The two institutions mooted the idea of partnership when Rotarian Jack Andrews Dotsey (PhD), the District Governor (DG) of Rotary District 9104, led a delegation of Rotarians to pay a courtesy call on the Vice-Chancellor of UBIDS at the weekend, as part of the activities of his official visit to the Rotary Club of Wa.
The visiting team had some members of the Rotary Club of Wa, including Dr Eunice Yorgri, the Club President and Board members of the club.
“There are a lot of opportunities that, when we partner … will benefit your institution directly and also help Rotary to advance its mission and vision as a global humanitarian organisation”, he said.
Dr Dotsey said UBIDS could harness Rotary’s global network for opportunities such as academic exchanges, international institutional partnerships, research collaboration, grant mobilisation and capacity-building.
The Rotary DG cited the Club’s support for research during the COVID-19 pandemic as an example, including its support for research activities at the University of Ghana Medical Centre with about $50,000.00.
He added that Rotary had supported some universities in Ghana with academic resources, including a 40-foot container of books from leading universities in the United States, to promote effective teaching and learning.
Dr Dotsey said mentorship of students and the development of ethical leadership were other areas in which Rotary and UBIDS could collaborate.
He also said Rotary’s youth development initiatives could help students develop leadership skills and become responsible citizens to contribute meaningfully to national development.
The DG also expressed willingness to explore the possibility of hosting a regional edition of the Ghana New Year School in Wa.
Dr Dotsey explained that the New Year School, established in 1948 as part of the University of Ghana’s corporate social responsibility, provided a national platform for policy dialogue and consensus-building.
He, however, encouraged the University’s management to participate in the next edition of the national New Year School as a first step towards exploring the possibility of hosting a regional edition in the Upper West Region.
Professor Emmanuel K. Derbile, UBIDS’ Vice-Chancellor, expressed the interest of the University in developing a structured and sustainable partnership with Rotary, as its mandate and that of Rotary’s humanitarian objectives were closely aligned.
He observed that universities were responsible not only for teaching and research but also for development and extension services aimed at improving the lives of people in society.
The Vice-Chancellor recalled Rotary’s support to the University’s medical centre and its assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“In terms of what Rotary stands for, we’ve lived it, and we are living it. And it’s important to work towards fostering this kind of partnership,” he said.
Prof. Derbile said UBIDS was ready to engage Rotary further to identify areas where the two institutions could partner to address development challenges.
Prof. Derbile was also recognised for Rotary’s “End Polio Now” insignia (Pin) in recognition of his commitment to humanitarian service and was encouraged to support advocacy for the global eradication of polio.
He was also presented with Rotary’s “Four-Way Test” as a framework for ethical leadership, integrity, fairness, and institutional governance.
GNA
Edited by Christabel Addo
05 Oct. 2026
Photo caption: The Rotarians with the VC and some management staff of UBIDS
Reporter: Philip Tengzu, GNA
Reporter’s email: [email protected]