The Alumni Association of the University for Development Studies (UDS) has organized its maiden “Developer Speaks Seminar”. The event which came off at the Tamale Campus of the University on 29th March 2023, was under the theme "Re-connecting the formative years of UDS Alumni Association". It aimed at bringing together alumni from various walks of life to share their experiences and discuss topical issues concerning UDS and ways of strengthening the Alumni Association.

The Chief Guest at the event was the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Seidu Alhassan who himself has been teaching at UDS for close to three decades, as a result of which he is very familiar with many of the alumni of the University.  Other guest speakers were, the Foundation President of the UDS Alumni Association Sir Robert Ayamga, and the First Students’ Representative Council (SRC) President of the University’ Alhaji Gamel Nuhu.

The President of the UDS Alumni Association, Prof. Terry Ansah   who doubled as the Chairman for the event, expressed his excitement about the seminar and thanked everyone who contributed to its success. He stated that alumni of UDS occupy various positions in and across the country, but the connection between them is weak. He added that there is therefore the need to bring them together. “Our alumni occupy big positions and so there is the need to bring them all under one umbrella to address topics of interest to the University and the Nation at large” he said.

Prof. Seidu Al-hassan (right), Sir Robert Ayamga (middle) and Alhaji Gamel Nuhu (left)

The first speaker, Sir Robert Ayamga shared his experiences whiles studying at UDS as one of the pioneering students. He gave a brief historical account of the genesis of the formation of the Alumni Association. He said even though they have had many difficult challenges at the beginning, he is excited at the gains made so far by the Alumni Association. He commended the current Executives for putting together such event. “I must commend the President and the executive for being able to organize this event. As I remember we couldn’t even organize meetings at a time just because we couldn’t form a quorum” he said. He suggested to the Executives to use the “catch them young” approach to get the newly graduated students.

The First SRC President, Alhaji Gamel Nuhu also shared his experiences during his days as a student of UDS. He said “there were so many challenges that we faced as students of a newly established institution. So there was the need to appoint students leaders to fight for the interest of the students”. He stated that it was not an easy task being the President for three consecutive academic years, as he always had to travel from Nyankpala to the Central Administration which was situated at the City Campus almost every day. Regardless of these challenges, Alhaji Nuhu said he never regretted taking the role as the SRC President as he learned so much from the experience. He encouraged students not to hesitate to take up leadership positions.

Prof. Seidu Al-hassan speaking at the event

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Seidu Alhassan expressed his excitement at the turnout at the event. He said that the alumni are the torchbearers of the institution's legacy, and their achievements are a testament to the quality of education and training that they received during their time here. He humorously said that he qualifies to be an alumnus as he has been in the university for nearly three decades and till date, remains the only lecturer to have lectured in all the campuses of the University, including Wa and Navrongo.

The Vice Chancellor assured the alumni that the University is strongly behind the association and ready to support them in so far as the interest of the University is concerned. “I will take in whatever the speakers have said to build a formidable association to contribute towards the development of the university” he said.

The president of the UDS Alumni Association, Prof. Terry Ansah, expressed his gratitude to the participants for their contributions. He also encouraged the alumni to remain committed to the development of the university and the alumni association. He stated that the event will be a quarterly activity to be hosted by various regions on rotational basis. He said the association has established 8 chapters across the country.

Story by: Ali Abdur Razaq Danbo (University Relations)