By Emmanuel Mensah-Abludo
Professor Emmanuel K. Derbile has been inducted into office as the second Vice Chancellor of the Simon Diedong Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies (SDD-UBIDS).
He takes over from the first Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Philip Duku Over, who is on retirement.
SDD-UBIDS was established by an Act of Parliament, Act 1001 of 2019 and officially gazetteer in May 2020, with its main campus located at Bamahu in Wa.
Professor Derbile, who has worked in academia for the past 25 years, indicated that he is aware of the onerous responsibility of leading the University towards a transformative agenda under the guidance of Council and called for synergy in pushing the University to the next level and outlined his vision.
“My vision as Vice-Chancellor is to employ an innovative and integrated approach to management in higher education that combines learning, adaptation, and entrepreneurship for innovations in governance. Given the complexities that universities face in contemporary times, no single model to management of universities is sufficient for enhancing their sustainability.”
Professor Derbile intoned that: “As a new university, strategic expansion is critical for developing competencies in niche areas of academic programming at all levels, especially in postgraduate training for addressing skill gaps in industry and for responding to the research-intensive mandate of the university. This will require the establishment of new and appropriate faculties, schools, and departments.”
“I would work towards increasing the number of market driven academic programmes. This will require expanding academic programming in the social sciences and humanities through the establishment of a School of Property Sciences, School of Tourism and Hospitality, Centre for Gender Studies and advocacy, among others,” he pledged.
The Chairman of the SDD-UBIDS Council, Kweku Yamoah Paintsil, who conducted the investiture rites, doffed his hat for Prof. Derbile, saying his appointment is a testament to his unwavering dedication, exceptional leadership, and profound understanding of the complexities within the realm of business and integrated development.
The Council Chairman of SDD-UBIDS continued that some people, by the nature of their calling, by the nature of where they find themselves, are walking institutions by themselves. “And I can say without a doubt that our new Vice Chancellor is a walking institution as far as this University is concerned, and we are excited that he has risen to this occasion,” Mr Paintsil averred.
The Upper West Regional Minister, Stephen Yakubu, who stood in for President Akufo-Addo, observed that the appointment of a new Vice-Chancellor is not just an administrative formality but an intellectual and visionary call to action.
“Today, we install a Vice-Chancellor who is expected to steer this institution into its next phase of growth—growth not only in terms of infrastructure or academic offerings but, more importantly, in terms of its relevance and impact on society. In a rapidly changing world defined by technological advancement, global interdependence, and complex socio-economic challenges, the role of a university leader is to ensure that the institution adapts and thrives. It is about positioning the university as a driver of innovation, research, and community engagement,” Mr Yakubu said.
The Regional Minister congratulated the new Vice-Chancellor, saying, “You have been entrusted with a great responsibility, and I have every confidence that you will lead with distinction, wisdom, and a clear vision for the future. May your tenure bring forth success, growth, and transformation for this esteemed institution.”
The Catholic Bishop of Wa, Most Reverend, Francis Bomansaan, prayed for Professor Derbile.
In his supplications, Most Reverend Bomansaan said, among others, that, “…May the integral and complete development of this University be achieved through the new VC.”
Poet Pobee Nwintombo and his crew spiced up the occasion with marvelous recitations.
