The University for Development Studies (UDS) has been selected as a key partner institution under the EU-Ghana Pact for Skills, a landmark initiative aimed at boosting graduate employability through strategic investment in higher education. The programme is supported by the UN Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) and forms part of the Pact’s Component 3: “Support Tertiary Education for Sustainable Employability.”

The UDS School of Business will lead the university’s participation through its newly designed Digital Skills and Employability Enhancement Programme (DSEEP), a forward-looking initiative that focuses on preparing graduates for the digital and green economy.

The DSEEP seeks to:

1. Strengthen coordination between academia and industry,
2. Provide comprehensive digital skills training, and
3. Expand career development services for students.

Dean of the School of Business and Project Lead, Prof. Ibrahim Osman Adam, noted that the selection reflects the School’s track record and innovative approach to programme design and delivery. “This is a recognition of the strong foundation we have built and our commitment to transforming tertiary education to meet the demands of the modern workforce,” he said. He added that the programme draws inspiration from the university’s flagship Third Trimester Field Practical Training Programme (TTFPT) and aligns fully with the UDS Strategic Plan.

With implementation scheduled from August 2025 to December 2027, the initiative aims to:

1. Significantly increase graduate employment rates through digital skills acquisition,
2. Promote equitable participation, with a strong focus on female inclusion, and
3. Equip students with industry-recognized, certified training in high-demand sectors

As one of Ghana’s premier institutions of higher learning, UDS is uniquely positioned to tackle regional disparities in access to digital training and employment. Its involvement in the EU-Ghana Pact for Skills underscores its leadership in shaping a workforce ready for the demands of a technology-driven economy.

The DSEEP initiative not only enhances the employability of UDS graduates but also strengthens the university’s role in Ghana’s national development agenda, in line with the broader objectives of the EU-Ghana partnership.