The University for Development Studies (UDS) held its 3rd annual Graduate School Conference on the Nyankpala Campus, drawing an impressive turnout of students, lecturers, researchers, and key figures in academia. The conference, established as a platform for advancing knowledge and research, has grown steadily since its inception, with this year's theme, “Research and National Development: The Role of Graduate Students,” underscoring the essential link between academic inquiry and national progress.

A Welcome from the Dean of the Graduate School

The conference commenced with an inspiring welcome address by the Dean of the Graduate School, Prof. Paul Nkegbe, who warmly received the participants. Prof. Nkegbe highlighted the significance of the conference as a platform for students to showcase their research, refine their skills, and contribute meaningful insights to pressing societal issues. “This conference is not just an academic exercise; it is a call to action. I encourage each participant to engage fully in every session, to learn, to challenge, and to innovate,” Prof. Nkegbe urged. He emphasized the opportunities the conference presents for collaboration and knowledge sharing among attendees, including esteemed faculty members and renowned researchers.

Bridging Academia and Real-World Application

Representing the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Seidu Al-hassan, the Principal of the Nyankpala Campus, Prof. Mohammed Muniru Iddrisu, praised the Graduate School for organizing and sustaining the conference. He commended the initiative's role in supporting UDS’s mission to produce practical and impactful research. “I congratulate the Graduate School for designing, executing, and nurturing this conference, which has become a cornerstone of our academic calendar,” Prof. Iddrisu remarked. He further appealed to the Graduate School to explore ways to bridge the gap between academic research and practical implementation, emphasizing that research should have a direct, positive impact on society. “Let us strive not only to expand knowledge but also to make that knowledge accessible and beneficial to our communities,” he urged.

Keynote Address: Research as a Pillar of National Development

Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Paul Bosu, Director General of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), addressed the conference’s theme with a compelling discussion on the role of research in driving national development. Prof. Bosu spoke passionately about the need for graduate students to see themselves as agents of change, whose work has the power to shape policies, drive innovation, and generate employment. “Graduate research has the potential to address the country’s most pressing issues, from agriculture and health to education and technology,” he asserted.

Prof. Bosu highlighted the importance of research that not only generates new knowledge but also finds practical applications. “Innovation is the lifeblood of progress,” he declared, “and it is through your dedication to rigorous, high-impact research that we can drive meaningful change.” He encouraged the students to consider the broader implications of their work, urging them to produce research that contributes to job creation, economic growth, and sustainable development. Prof. Bosu’s address resonated with the audience, especially when he spoke of research impact, stressing that “research should not be limited to publications and presentations; it should serve as a catalyst for tangible societal transformation.”

A Platform for Growth and Collaboration

Since its inception three years ago, the UDS Graduate School Conference has provided a valuable space for students, lecturers, and researchers to exchange ideas and showcase their work. Initially established to foster a culture of academic excellence, the conference has evolved into a premier event that encourages collaboration across various disciplines. For graduate students, the conference has been instrumental in honing research skills, building professional networks, and receiving constructive feedback from peers and experts alike.

Dr. Linda Akariwe of the University Library at UDS, remarked on the importance of the conference in equipping students with the skills and confidence needed to navigate complex research processes. “The Graduate School Conference has transformed how our students approach research. It gives them a platform to practice, to learn, and to grow. This is invaluable for their academic and professional journeys,” Dr. Akariwe shared.

Faculty members also benefit from the conference, as it promotes interdisciplinary collaboration and strengthens UDS’s academic community. Prof. Gabriel Ayum Teye, former Vice-Chancellor of UDS, expressed his pride in seeing the conference flourish over the years, calling it a “testament to UDS’s commitment to fostering a culture of research and innovation.” Deans, department heads, and faculty members from various schools and faculties attended, underscoring the conference’s importance within the university.

Participants’ Perspectives

Many participants spoke highly of the conference, noting that it exceeded expectations both in terms of content and organization. Mary Adjoa Mensah, a graduate student in agriculture, shared her excitement about the networking opportunities the conference provided. “Meeting people who are working on similar research topics was incredibly inspiring. I feel more motivated than ever to push forward with my own research,” she said. Another participant, Kwesi Appiah, a PhD candidate in health sciences, praised the quality of presentations and the range of topics covered. “The level of detail and insight in the presentations was remarkable. I’ve learned a lot, and I am looking forward to applying some of these insights in my own work,” he remarked.

Looking Ahead

The 3rd annual UDS Graduate School Conference demonstrated the power of research as a tool for national development, with speakers and participants alike emphasizing the importance of bridging the gap between academia and real-world application. As UDS continues to promote a culture of research and innovation, the conference remains a testament to the university's dedication to equipping students and faculty with the skills and knowledge to make a difference.

With the success of this year’s event, there is a sense of optimism about the future. The UDS Graduate School Conference has cemented its place as a flagship event in the university’s academic calendar, serving as a catalyst for intellectual growth, collaboration, and national progress.

Story by:
Abdul Hayi Moomen
(UDS Media)