In a show of solidarity with students, the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), University for Development Studies branch (UTAG-UDS), has donated Ten Thousand Ghana Cedis (GHS 10,000) to the Students Financial Aid Scheme (SFAS) of the University.

The presentation, which took place at the Office of the Dean of Students’ Affairs, was led by Professor Mamudu A. Akudugu, President of UTAG-UDS. He explained that the donation is aimed at supporting needy students to pursue their academic aspirations without financial hindrance.

“UTAG stands for the holistic development of students and will support any intervention that contributes to shaping tomorrow’s labour force,” Prof. Akudugu emphasized. He noted that the gesture is only the beginning of a multi-year commitment by UTAG-UDS to assist disadvantaged students. He further encouraged the Dean of Students’ Affairs to explore innovative approaches such as food banks to provide comprehensive support to students in need.

Adding his voice, Dr. Yussif Kamaldeen, Secretary of the Nyankpala Campus Branch of UTAG, expressed the association’s readiness to collaborate with the Dean’s Office on other initiatives to enhance the student experience. He also called for transparency and fairness in the management of the scheme to ensure that the support truly reaches those who need it most.

On behalf of the student body, Mr. Moses Azuure, President of the Student Representative Council (SRC), expressed heartfelt appreciation to UTAG. “This is a testament to the love you have for us, your children,” he remarked, underscoring the life-changing impact of the support.

The Vice-Dean of Students’ Affairs for the Tamale Campus, Dr. Umar Haruna, recalled that UTAG was one of the first stakeholders consulted during the design of the SFAS. He praised the union for its valuable input, which he said has significantly improved the impact of the scheme.

Receiving the donation, the Dean of Students’ Affairs, Professor Alhassan Musah, lauded UTAG for its extraordinary generosity. He noted that UTAG has consistently been a resourceful partner in initiatives championed by the Dean’s Office.

“Great things begin with commitment and a sense of duty,” Prof. Musah said. He revealed that the scheme, launched last year with GHS 200,000, has already supported 120 needy students. With UTAG’s latest contribution, total funds raised this year now stand at GHS 270,000. He added, “Our target is to raise at least GHS 400,000 this year to support 200 students.”

The Dean also highlighted plans to engage UTAG further, not only in financial contributions but also in analyzing data from SFAS applications. He explained that preliminary analysis from last year’s awards has already revealed patterns that will help refine the University’s communication strategies and improve reporting on the scheme’s impact.

The donation by UTAG-UDS reinforces the association’s role as not just educators, but also guardians and advocates for the welfare of students under their care.

Story by UDS Media.