Some students who have completed their programmes in education at the University for Development Studies, Tamale, are calling for the removal of the university's Director of Information Technology, Dr Abdul Wahid Mohammed and others over the delay in their graduation and issuance of certificates.

The group known as 'Concerned Students of the Sandwich Colleges of Education' comprises students of the sandwich programmes in five Colleges of Education, namely; Tumu College of Education, Gambaga College of Education, Saint Vincent College of Education, Dambai College of Education, McCoy College of Education, and Al-Faruq College of Education.

Members of the group claim to have completed their various colleges between 2021 and 2022 but were yet to receive their certificates from the University for Development Studies, which is offering the programmes.

Speaking at a press conference in Walewale, the group stated that the delay in getting their certificates from the UDS has severely frustrated their lives.

"Our parents and guardians thought we've wasted their money and they feel scammed. They're disappointed in us, their wards and spouses ', the group said, in a statement read by spokesperson Christy Avuyem.

"Many women have lost peace in their marriages because their supporting husbands feel they have either failed their programme or wasted their money," she continued. "They [parents and guardians] cannot believe that we've completed paying the huge school fees, yet came home empty handed".

They added that the situation has also impeded their personal growth and progress.

"We cannot seek admissions, neither can we seek promotions, and neither can we pursue higher education because of the absence of our certificates."

The disgruntled students wondered why it was taking the UDS, which boasts as the pride of the north, more than two years to print common certificates when other universities often use just four months after completion to hold graduation ceremonies and issue certificates to their students.

"UDS as the premium university of the north has disappointed the north and proven to be inefficient, hence would hinder the quality of education delivery and patronage of their services.

They have, however, issued a one week ultimatum to the university authorities to immediately release their certificates or face their wrath. The students warned they would carry out a series of radical actions against the university if their demand was not met.

They also demanded the dismissal or resignation of the University's Director of Information Communication Technology, Abdul Wahid Mohammed, for anti-student behaviour and unprofessional conduct.

"He happens to be unconcerned about our well-being and refuses to attend to our issues even when we visit the school. Another officer, Mr Sammy at the office of the Students Data System Unit, who has failed to authorize the printing of our certificates, we call for his removal. He doesn't deserve to be in that office."

They also berated the Director for Distance and Continuing Education, Dr Cecilia Alimatu Issaka, and the University's Vice Chancellor, Prof Seidu Al-Hassan, for showing gross indifference to their plight.

The students have also called on the National Accreditation Board and the Ministry of Education to take a keen interest in the matter for an amicable settlement.