Wa, Oct. 27, GNA - The University for Development Studies (UDS), has introduced new academic programmes to give meaning to its mandate as a practical-oriented institution that is collaborating with the rural communities to fashion out the development agenda.

The programmes include two Master of Science programmes in non-governmental organisation Management and Rural Development and Environmental Security and Livelihood Change.

Professor David Milliar, Pro-Vice Chancellor of the University made this known at the 17th Matriculation of the University at the Wa Campus on Monday.

The fresh students who were inducted at the ceremony took the matriculation oath, which enjoined them to abide by the rules and regulations governing the conduct of all junior members of the university. Professor Milliar said the two graduate programmes were carrier-oriented and demand-driven and targeted to meet the training needs of programme managers and field workers of non-governmental organisations. At the Nyankpala campus, he said two new Bachelor of Science programmes in Renewable Natural Resources and Agribusiness were introduced while at the Wa campus, Bachelor of Science (BSc) programmes in Development Planning, Real Estates and Land Management begun this academic year. The Wa campus has also introduced the Faculty of Education, Law and Business Studies and admitted its first batch of students for a Diploma programme in Integrated Management Studies.

The Tamale Campus where the School of Medicine and Health Sciences is located has admitted its first batch of applicants for a BSc Nursing programme.

The Pro-Vice Chancellor noted that the University's medical programme was progressing smoothly whilst clinical training for students of the Medical School had started at the Tamale Teaching Hospital. He said the Medical School had begun the Problem-Based Learning medical training programme and the first batch of students to undergo the new pedagogy, were admitted this academic year.

Another group of 26 applicants made up of graduates in the sciences who wished to pursue training in Medicine were admitted.