University for Development Studies (UDS)

The University for Development Studies (UDS) is Ghana's first public university in the northern part of the country and was established in 1992 with an unusually development-focused mandate. Rather than being conceived solely as a conventional teaching institution, UDS was established to combine higher education, research and community engagement in addressing the socio-economic challenges of northern Ghana and the wider country. Its distinctive "Knowledge for Service" philosophy is reflected in its practical, field-based and community-oriented approach to teaching and research, including the Third Trimester Field Practical Programme and Community Based Education and Service. From its beginnings with a single Faculty of Agriculture and 40 students, UDS has developed into a multi-campus university with academic provision across agriculture, health sciences, medicine, engineering, pharmacy, education, law, business, economics, communication, natural resources, sustainable development and other fields. Its research and outreach activities remain strongly connected to food and agricultural systems, health, environmental sustainability, rural transformation and development policy. The university's current strategic direction continues to emphasise practical scholarship, innovation, community engagement and solutions to national and global development challenges.