A delegation from the University for Development Studies (UDS) has paid a courtesy call on the new leadership of the Ghana Commission for UNESCO in Accra to extend heartfelt congratulations and to explore avenues for future collaboration. The visit was also marked by an appeal for equitable research development across the country.

The delegation was led by the Pro Vice-Chancellor of UDS, Professor Elliot Haruna Alhassan, who used the occasion to call for the establishment of a UNESCO Category 2 Centre of Research at UDS. Prof. Alhassan noted that while such centers have already been established in universities in the southern part of Ghana, the northern regions are yet to benefit from any. He emphasized that UDS, as a leading institution in the north, would be an ideal host for the first Category 2 research Centre in the area.

"The establishment of a UNESCO Category 2 Centre at UDS would not only be a monumental step for academic research in Northern Ghana but also a powerful symbol of inclusiveness and balanced national development," Prof. Alhassan stated.

UNESCO Category 2 Centers are institutions that operate under the auspices of UNESCO but are funded and managed by member states. These centers contribute to the achievement of UNESCO's strategic programme objectives, offering support through training, research, and knowledge sharing. A Category 2 Centre at UDS would provide a platform for cutting-edge interdisciplinary research, capacity building, and international collaboration. It would also strengthen the university’s mandate in community-oriented development and education, aligning with UDS’ mission of serving deprived and underserved communities.

Receiving the delegation, the Secretary-General of the Ghana Commission for UNESCO, Dr. Tahidu Damba, who is also a staff member of UDS, expressed profound gratitude for the visit. He acknowledged the support of the university in allowing him to take up the national role and welcomed the idea of deepening the partnership between the Commission and UDS.

“It is a great honour to serve the nation through the Ghana Commission for UNESCO, and I am truly grateful to UDS for the support. We are committed to working closely with UDS for our mutual benefit and to promote research, culture, and development,” Dr. Damba remarked.

Another UDS staff member serving with the Commission is Dr. Naazia Ibrahim, the new Deputy Secretary-General in charge of Operations at the Ghana Commission for UNESCO.  Both Dr. Damba and Dr. Naazia Ibrahim, exemplify UDS’ growing influence on national and international platforms.

Dr. Damba assured the delegation that the Commission would consider the appeal for a Category 2 Centre at UDS and engage with stakeholders to assess the viability and strategic value of the proposal.

The UDS delegation also included the Registrar, Mr. Nurudeen Issah Abubakar; the Director of Sports, Mr. Shaibu Ibrahim Tanko; the Director of Public Affairs, Mr. Abdul Hayi Moomen; the Deputy Director of Finance, Dr. Alhassan Iddrisu; and the Head of the Main Registry, Mr. Yussif Abdulai.

The meeting concluded with both institutions agreeing to explore further areas of collaboration in education, research, youth development, cultural promotion, and the use of science and technology to address pressing development challenges in Ghana.

This visit marks a significant milestone in fostering stronger ties between academia and international development institutions, particularly towards advancing UNESCO's goals of inclusive and equitable education and sustainable development.

Story by:
Abdul Hayi Moomen
UDS Media