The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Business and Integrated Development Studies (UBIDS), Prof. Emmanuel Kanchebe Derbile, has announced that the university is finalising arrangements for a massive prefabricated classroom capable of accommodating 1,000 students at a time, valued at US$6.6 million.

Prof. Emmanuel Derbile also announced that the university has received financial clearance from the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFUND) for projects, with revised contract sums for all uncompleted projects to be completed at the university.

He noted that while infrastructural projects on campus are currently few, the ongoing and upcoming initiatives are highly significant to the university's expansion.

Speaking at the university’s matriculation ceremony on Saturday, 21 February 2026, Prof. Emmanuel Derbile formally highlighted the institution's recent name change from Simon Diedong Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies (SDD-UBIDS) to University of Business and Integrated Development Studies (UBIDS).

He urged the freshmen to take ownership of this transition and work deliberately to build and grow the reputation of the newly branded institution.

He challenged newly matriculated students to be worthy ambassadors, describing them as the "pioneers" of the university's new brand.

Prof. Emmanuel Derbile also shed light on the gender dynamics within the university's academic hierarchy. While he celebrated a massive surge in female enrollment at the undergraduate level, he expressed concern over the decreasing numbers of women pursuing PhD and law programs, signaling a need to bridge the postgraduate gender gap.

The university matriculated 2,301 students for the 2025/2026 academic year, comprising 868 diploma students, with the female population pegged at around 52.6 percent, whilst 1,030 students were inducted for first degree programmes.
• Degree: 1,030 (448 females (43.49%), 582 males (56.51%))
• Master’s: 205 (48 females (23.41%), 157 males (76.59%))
• PhD: 95 (9 females (9.47%), 86 males (90.53%))
• Post-First Degree Law (L200): 103 (9 females (8.74%), 94 males (91.26%))

While female enrolment is encouraging at the undergraduate level, he expressed worry over significant declines at postgraduate levels. He stated that they are, however, committed to addressing this gap through mentorship, inclusive policies, and gender-responsive academic support.

"To our female students: you are valued, and we will continue to champion your advancement." He urged the male students to be allies in building an equitable and respectful academic environment.

Touching on student welfare, the VC assured the gathering that the university has taken keen steps to ensure the proper implementation of a "stress-free fees policy" to ease the financial operations for students. He strongly advised the matriculants to uphold high standards of discipline, prioritize punctuality, and align themselves with the positive culture of the university.

‘Plagiarism is unacceptable. If you copy your way through to this place and you were not caught and taken out of the system, we will catch and take you out of the system,’ he warned.

He, however, assured that they are prepared to go with those who are prepared to learn.

Concluding his address, Prof. Derbile took a moment to commend the university's staff. He acknowledged the daily sacrifices they make despite challenging working conditions and assured them that management is actively working to improve the campus workspace.