The University for Development Studies, UDS has in the 2017/2018 academic year witnessed a decline in the admission rate for its undergraduate programmes.

Out of the 7, 971 candidates offered admission, 4,567 accepted the offer, representing 57% of acceptance of offer.

The Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Gabriel Ayum Teye, attributed the situation partly on the desire of almost all Science candidates to pursue Medicine or Nursing in view of job opportunities after graduation.

He observed that most applicants now have the penchant to decline admission for the academic programmes they consider less attractive.

Professor Teye was speaking at the 18th Congregation of the UDS Wa campus in the Upper West Region.

The 18th Congregation of the Wa Campus of the UDS saw the graduation of 2,338 students after successfully completing various programmes of study in the School of Business and Law, Faculty of Integrated Studies and the Faculty of Planning and Land Management.

The Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Gabriel Ayum Teye said management continues to restructure the institution in line with contemporary trends in University administration.

He mentioned the appointment of Acting Principals for the Nyankpala, Navrongo and Wa campuses as one of such new initiatives undertaken by the university under his administration.

Chairman of the UDS Governing Council, Nutifafa Kuenyehia, expressed appreciation to parents, individuals and all identifiable groups whose contributions have helped set the university on the path of growth.

He however expressed concern about the general insecurity on the Wa campus of which students and staff continue to suffer various degrees of criminal activities on daily basis.

Mr. Kuenyehia appealed to traditional, religious and political leaders to help ensure improved security conditions on the campus for effective teaching and learning.

Minister of State in Charge of Tertiary education, Professor Kwesi Yankah said the government seeks to encourage the setting up of universities whose courses and programmes respond to the nation’s strategic needs and development priorities.

Best Graduating Student Ebenezer Agorso delivering the Valedictory speech said although the road to academic success is normally bumpy and rough, with determination and tenacity of purpose students will make it to the top.