WA CAMPUS OF UDS TAKES SHAPE (PAGE 22)

THE permanent site for the Wa campus of the University for Development Studies (UDS) is gradually taking shape despite the financial problems facing the university.
Currently, the university authorities have initiated the construction of four 80-seater lecture hall valued at GH¢40,000 from its internally generated funds.
The most interesting aspect of the project is that labour is being provided by workers of the university.
“For now, we have started with one but the others will soon follow suit”, Mr Mohammed Baba, the Works Superintendent of the university told the Daily Graphic in Wa.
He said a clinic was also being constructed to offer health care services to students and lecturers.
To support the university, the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) has constructed two lecture halls each of which has a seating capacity of 1,000 which are currently being used for lectures.
Besides, two similar lecture halls are under construction while two 500 KVA transformers are being installed to ensure efficient supply of electricity to the new campus.
Three hostels financed by GETFund have also been completed while contract for a library complex is soon to be awarded.
“Two more hostels are almost completed and what is left are few minor works to be done after which they will be put to use”, Mr Mahama stated.
Throwing more light on the developments, the Dean of the Faculty of Planning and Land Management, Dr Francis Bacho, described the Wa campus as the university for the future because of its potential to become an autonomous institution.
According to him, come next academic year, students would be admitted to Planning and Land Management while the Integrated Community Development (ICD) programme would continue.
“The Faculty of Education, Law and Business Studies, has taken off in addition to new programmes being introduced,” he added.
In spite of all those achievements, the Wa campus still faces a number of challenges. It will, therefore, be appreciated if steps are taken to address them.
They include tables and chairs, just to mention a few.
It is suggested that the authorities should frequently organise career counselling for students who are to major in limited specialisation.
This is to avert the situation where some students have regretted being in certain departments and wished they had gone to other departments. That is not to say that some of the departments are cheap. No, that is not the case.
Finally, if possible, the Third Trimester Field Practical Programme (TTFPP) should be modified, as students often complain of fatigue and stress.