The University for Development Studies (UDS) has officially set the commencement date for the 2024/2025 academic year to Friday, October 18, following an earlier indefinite postponement. This decision was communicated through a circular issued on October 14, which confirmed that both fresh and continuing students are expected to return to their academic pursuits starting on this new date. The postponement had originally stemmed from extensive industrial action by various university staff unions, including the Ghana Association of University Administrators (GAUA), Senior Staff Association – Universities of Ghana (SSA-UG), and the Teachers and Educational Workers’ Union of the Trades Union Congress (TEWU-TUC), which significantly disrupted essential academic operations.
Prior to this announcement, the academic year was initially scheduled to start on September 27, 2024, but the strike from the aforementioned unions and their demands for better working conditions and negotiations forced the university to delay its opening indefinitely. UDS’s circular clearly marked the rescheduled opening date, providing relief to students and stakeholders who had been eagerly anticipating news about when classes would resume. The statement emphasized that all students must prepare for their return and that the university would keep everyone informed about further developments regarding academic services and operations.
For students returning to UDS, the circular also outlined important procedural steps they must take as they prepare for the academic year. Students are instructed to complete their course registration online and verify their registration at their respective faculties and departments between October 18 and November 1, 2024. The university’s Registrar urged students to comply with these guidelines to ensure a smooth transition back into their academic routines after the prolonged disruption.
In a previous communication issued on September 25, 2024, UDS expressed regret for the inconvenience caused by the strike, highlighting its impact on academic services. The university had committed to keeping all stakeholders updated once the situation improved and a new academic calendar could be established. The response indicated that the administration was working diligently to resolve the issues while maintaining a focus on the needs of students and staff during a challenging period.
The industrial action, which led to the postponement of the academic year, showcased the ongoing challenges within the higher education sector in Ghana, where staff unions frequently advocate for better terms and conditions. Such strikes emphasize the tension between university administration and staff, drawing attention to the importance of dialogue among stakeholders to prevent disruptions that affect students’ education. As UDS prepares for the upcoming academic year, it remains imperative for the university to address these underlying issues to ensure stability in future academic schedules.
As the opening date nears, UDS is hopeful that the resolution of labor disputes will allow the university to resume its educational offerings without further interruptions. The administration’s proactive communication reassures the student body and acknowledges the need to provide a conducive learning environment. By ensuring students are well-informed about registration and compliance procedures, UDS aims to foster an atmosphere of readiness and engagement as it embarks on a new academic year marked by challenges yet promising opportunities for learning and development.
