The Management of the University for Development Studies, UDS, has organized an orientation exercise for the 2022/2023 executives of the Students Representative Council, (SRC), The Graduate Students Association (GRASAG) and the UDS branch of the National Union of Ghana Students, (NUGS) at the Central Administration block on the Tamale Campus. The annual routine which was under the auspices of the office of the Dean of Students’ Affairs, seeks to spell out the guidelines and other relevant protocols that underpin the establishment and operations of the university.

The Dean of Students’ Affairs, Dr. Alhassan Musah said the orientation was aimed at enhancing student leadership and management relationship to engender effective discharge of their mandates. He expressed optimism that the constant engagements with the SRC and NUGS will aid in sanitizing their activities whiles in office.

The Head of the Finance and Budget, Alhaji Mohammed, said student leaders should learn how to prepare good budgets when planning their activities. He said when budgets are properly prepared, it helps to avoid delays in the execution of programmes and activities.

The Acting Director of Internal Audit, Mr. Abdulai Abubakari, advised the newly elected student leaders to always ensure good record keeping. He said, good record management helps to avoid mismanagement of funds, and ensures transparency and accountability.

The Head of the University Relations, Mr. Abdul Hayi Moomen, also advised the students to try to projecting the good image of the university at all times. He advised the student leaders to use the approved internal processes to address their grievances and avoid using social media to do so.

There were brief presentations by the Heads of the Guidance and Counselling Units for both the Tamale and Nyankpala campuses, Alhaji Hussein and Dr. Amos A. Alale, respectively, Alhaji Safian from the Procurement Directorate, Vice Deans of Students for Nyankpala campus, Dr. Adu Gyanfi and Dr. Ing. Linda Larry.

The Pro- Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Felix k. Abagale established the need for student leaders to prioritize policies and programs of the university ahead of their personal interests. He implored them to build upon the solid history of the university in protecting and enhancing the brand University. In a bid to ensure fiscal discipline and value for money transactions, the Pro-Vice-Chancellor explained vividly, the regulations of the financial administration and budgeting processes of the university.

He outlined the administrative structure, statutes, rules and regulations of the university to the executives. Underscoring the need for attitudinal change, Prof Abagale urged the executives to eschew attitudes that have the tendency of impeding the smooth execution of their obligations.

Story by:
Yussif Ismail