In a bid to further its mission of Practical, Community-Centered Education and Research, the University for Development Studies (UDS) has formally appealed to the Chief of Tolon, Naa Rtd Major Sulemana Abubakari, for an allocation of 500 acres of land. This land is earmarked to establish a Centre for Academic Research dedicated to promoting organic Shea production and to set up a demonstration farm aimed at fostering agricultural innovation and sustainable development in the region.

The appeal, which was made during a visit by a high-level delegation from UDS led by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Seidu Al-hassan, underscored the university’s commitment to empowering communities and advancing academic research in agriculture. Professor Al-hassan detailed the university's ambitious vision, saying, “We are committed to creating a world-class research facility that not only enhances organic Shea production but also serves as a model for sustainable agriculture. This center will foster the exchange of knowledge, stimulate local economies, and promote the ecological integrity of our agricultural practices.”

The University for Development Studies has a unique multi-campus structure, distinguishing it from other higher institutions in Ghana. Originally established with campuses across the northern sector of the country, UDS has undergone significant restructuring. After the decoupling of its Wa and Navrongo campuses, which subsequently became autonomous institutions, UDS now operates its main campuses in Tamale City, Dungu, and Nyankpala. The university also holds additional lands in Yendi and Gbanyamli, earmarked for future educational initiatives. This decentralized approach is integral to UDS's philosophy of promoting development across different communities through locally focused education and research.

Responding to UDS' appeal, the traditional authorities, represented by the Chief of Tolon and his elders, conveyed their agreement to allocate the requested land to the university. Emphasizing the cultural practices surrounding land ownership in Tolon, the palace reiterated that the area’s traditional authorities do not engage in the sale of land but are committed to supporting initiatives that contribute to the welfare and development of the community. "Our land is our heritage, and we are willing to allocate it to the university for this noble cause," a Sub-Chief for the palace noted. "However, we urge UDS to put the land to immediate use. We want to see active development and meaningful projects - not empty lands gathering weeds."

In addition to the land allocation, the Chief of Tolon extended a proposal for UDS to consider establishing a faculty in Tolon. “Our community is open to the idea of having an academic faculty based here, and the District Assembly is prepared to support this effort with residential facilities for staff members,” the chief stated, pledging that the Assembly would provide bungalows for university personnel who would be stationed in Tolon.

The palace further requested that UDS send its surveyors to assess the designated area, encouraging the university to select the most suitable portion of land to realize its vision. The Chief of Tolon emphasized, "We hope this collaboration will bring mutual benefits and that this land will be a thriving hub of learning, research, and community advancement."

Expressing gratitude for the generosity and support extended by the Tolon traditional authorities, Professor Al-hassan assured the chief that UDS would honor the trust placed in them. "We are profoundly grateful to the Chief of Tolon and his council for this opportunity. UDS is committed to utilizing this land to its fullest potential, and we are determined to transform this vision into a sustainable reality that will benefit the community and future generations," he stated.

With the Tolon Chief’s support, UDS is poised to continue its mission of using education as a tool for regional transformation, harnessing its research capacity to drive innovations that could benefit not only the Tolon community but the entire northern region of Ghana.

Others in the UDS delegations were the Registrar, Mr. Nurudeen Issah Abubakar, the Director of Finance, Dr. Mohammed Hardi Shaibu, the Principal of the Nyankpala Campus, Prof. Mohammed Muniru Iddrisu, the Director of the West Africa Center for Shea Innovation and Research, Prof. Abubakari Alhassan and the Director of Public Affairs, Mr. Abdul Hayi Moomen.

Story by:
Ayuba Ibrahim
(UDS Media)