UDS TO INTRODUCE NEW GRADUATE PROGRAMMES (PAGE 11, JULY 27, 2011)

THE University for Development Studies (UDS) is introducing new post-graduate programmes in response to the growing manpower needs of the ever-expanding and dynamic industry.
The programmes include Master of Arts (MA) in Development Communication, Master of Commerce (MCOM), Master of Professional Accounting (MPAcc), MA in Peace Studies, MA in Social Administration and Master of Education (M.Ed).
The university hopes to churn out graduates with the requisite skills to work in areas such as natural resource and environmental governance, development communication, conflict management and rural development.
The Vice Chancellor of the UDS, Prof. Haruna Yakubu made this known during a matriculation ceremony for newly-admitted post-graduate students of the UDS.
A total of 282 applicants were admitted by the UDS to pursue various post-graduate programmes on sandwich basis for the new academic year that commenced few weeks ago.
The courses include a PhD in Endogenous Development, MPhil in Development Studies, MA in Environmental Security and Livelihood Change, MA in Business Planning and Microfinance Management and MA in Leadership and Development.
Others are Master of Science (MSc) in Development Management, MSc in Community Health and Development and MA in NGO Management and Rural Development.
The VC mentioned that the new programmes were likely to commence in the next academic if the university secures approval from the National Accreditation Board (NAB) for these programmes.
He said already the academic board had given the go-ahead and that the programmes would be advertised when all hurdles were cleared.
“These programmes, when mounted, would give prospective applicants the opportunity to choose from a more diversified number of attractive professional programmes,” he noted.
Prof Yakubu expressed delight over the increasing interest of applicants in programmes offered by the UDS.
“I am particularly delighted in seeing that the number of students we are matriculating today had increased by 32.4 per cent over last year’s numbers. This is an indication of the popularity of our programmes and in view of this the university is committed to stretching its resources to providing quality education,” he stated.
The VC noted that although the university put premium on qualified candidates, it gave special considerations for female qualified applicants.
“This year, we admitted almost as many ladies as gentlemen, indicating that our gender sensitive admission policy is beginning to yield fruits. Our ultimate focus remains at 50-50 male to female ratio,” he hinted.