The University of Business and Integrated Development Studies (UBIDS) is set to complete all abandoned and uncompleted projects on its campus after securing financial clearance from the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund), Vice-Chancellor Prof. Emmanuel Kanchebe Derbile has announced.

Speaking at the university’s sixth matriculation ceremony in Wa on Saturday, February 14, Prof. Derbile said the move is aimed at easing the infrastructural burden of the growing institution, which has struggled with inadequate facilities since its inception.

“The university has now received the necessary financial backing to complete all outstanding projects. We are also finalising arrangements for a massive prefabricated classroom capable of accommodating 1,000 students at a time,” he stated.

The ceremony saw a total of 2,301 students matriculate for the 2025/2026 academic year, spanning undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.

This includes 1,030 students for first-degree programmes, 205 for master’s, 95 for PhDs, 103 for post-first degree law, and 868 diploma students.

Prof. Derbile also formally announced the institution’s recent name change from Simon Diedong Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies (SDD-UBIDS) to UBIDS. He encouraged freshmen to embrace the new brand and be “worthy ambassadors” as pioneers of the university’s transformation.

While celebrating a surge in female undergraduate enrolment, the Vice-Chancellor expressed concern over the declining number of women pursuing postgraduate and law programmes. He stressed that the university is committed to bridging the gender gap through mentorship, inclusive policies, and gender-responsive academic support.

“Female students, you are valued, and we will continue to champion your advancement. Male students, be allies in building an equitable and respectful academic environment,” Prof. Derbile urged.

On student welfare, the VC assured that UBIDS has implemented a “stress-free fees policy” to ease financial operations for students. He also warned against academic dishonesty, saying, “Plagiarism is unacceptable. If you copy your way through and are caught, we will take you out of the system.”

The new funding and ongoing initiatives are expected to significantly support UBIDS’s expansion plans and improve infrastructure for its growing student population.