Navrongo (UER), Oct. 19, GNA - The Vice Chancellor of the University of Development Studies (UDS), Professor J.B.K. Kaburise said at the weekend that the UDS has been mandated by law to undertake training, research and extension in an integrated and functional way to meet the needs and aspirations of the people of Ghana, particularly the deprived areas.

He said that the university's curricula in the various disciplines are all geared towards problem solving, action-oriented and community-based activities making the university unique among the local universities and those in the West Africa sub-region.

Prof. Kaburise made these statements at the 12th matriculation ceremony of the university at the Faculty of Applied Science in Navrongo at the weekend. The first batch of a four-year postgraduate programme comprising of nine students was also matriculated.

He said the university was constrained in terms of infrastructure, human resource, effective information and technology among others resulting in the inability of the university to expand access to a significant portion of prospective applicants.

"The UDS knows where it wants to go but does not have the wherewithal to get there at the pace needed," he added.

Prof. Kaburise therefore, appealed to the Government and other benevolent organisations to assist in tackling the numerous start-up and operational challenges facing UDS.

He however, indicated that these constraints not withstanding, the UDS community is unflinching in its commitment to the forward march towards the realisation of its goals and objective.

"We have a dedicated, albeit small, academic and support staff, we have an industrious, committed and visionary leadership at the UDS," he said.

Prof. Kaburise explained that the Third Trimester Field Practical Training and Extension Programme (TTFPTEP) run by the university was aimed at equipping students with relevant skills and expertise to prepare them for employment.

As a step to increase the enrolment of females in the science-based disciplines, the university introduced a bridging programme where the students are taken through some courses before they are formally admitted.

The Vice Chancellor announced that 386 females representing 39.15 per cent of the total admissions were admitted to pursue mathematics and science in the university.

On the development of infrastructure, the Professor said a four-million US dollar grant was secured under the Education Sector Programme (EdSeP) funded by the World Bank, for that purpose. He added that the university had written proposals to enable it access more funds from the Teaching and Learning Innovation Fund (TALIF).

He advised the matriculants to conduct themselves in a quiet and orderly manner and pursue studies with diligence and also follow laid down procedures to avoid sanctions.

The Upper East Regional Minister, Mr Salifu Mahami and the Heads of Deans in the various campuses of the university were present at the ceremony.