The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has introduced a programme dubbed: “Tertiary Drive” (TertDrive), to afford tertiary students the opportunity to learn how to drive while in school. The programme, estimated to benefit 150,000 students annually, will ensure that the students graduate with their certificates alongside a genuine driving license acquired in a hassle-free environment.

This came up during a visit by a delegation from the Driver & Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), led by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr. Kwasi Agyeman Busia, to the University for Development Studies. Among others, the visit was also to help strengthen the relationship between the two institutions and to discuss the possibility of further collaborations.

The Chief Executive Officer of the DVLA, Mr. Busia thanked the Management of the University for the warm reception. He revealed that when he took over as the Chief Executive of the DVLA, the institution had been ranked as one of the most corrupt in the country. He however, said that within three years, the DVLA had made so much progress in its transformation agenda which focuses on people, process and technology, that it had won dozens of awards for being an exemplary institution worthy of emulation by others.

Mr. Busia said the DVLA as part of its transformation drive, has identified that there was a need to make its services more accessible to tertiary institutions. He mentioned the TertDrive programme set up by DVLA to grant opportunity to all students who are willing to acquire a driver’s license to do so in the comfort and convenience of their campuses.

The Vice-Chancellor, of UDS, Prof, Seidu Al-hassan, congratulated the management of DVLA for their efforts at creating a positive image of the organisation. He said the University and the DVLA could collaborate in data gathering and capacity building. He recommended the setting up of a committee with members from both institutions to deliberate further and outline specific areas of collaboration.

The Deputy Director of the Business Research, Development and Innovation at DVLA, Mr. Abraham Zaato, who is an alumnus of UDS, presented detailed background of the transformation at DVLA, and illustrated the transformation agenda from an organization which was perceived as a corrupt public institution in the country to one that has been acclaimed as one of the best institutions in the country.

Mr. Abraham Zaato, that TertDrive will give UDS students an added advantage over other competitors who were equally qualified but have no driving skills or driver’s license and improve their chances of employment.
“This could best be described, as a cutting-edge approach that is; acquiring educational qualification and a driver’s license readily within the same period.”

Other staff present at the meeting were the Registrar, Mr. Nurudeen Issah Abubakar, the Director of Finance, Dr. Mohammed Hardi Shaibu, The Director of Works and Physical Development, Ing. Samuel Abiku, the Principal of the Nyankpala Campus, Prof. George Nyarko, the Acting Director of internal Audit, Mr Abukari Abdulai, the Head of University Relations, Mr. Abdul-Hayi Moomen and the Head of Transportation, Mr. Shahadu Nashiru. They unanimously expressed excitement about the partnership, adding that the University’s efforts at giving students an enriching experience while on campus will be enhanced by the TertDrive programme. They suggested that the partnership should cover research and development as well as create internship opportunities for students of the University.

Story by:
Farhana Issah (University Relations)