UBIDS to Benefit from Pre-Fabricated US$6.6M 1K Capacity Classroom Project

Introduction

The University of Business and Integrated Development Studies (UBIDS) is set to undergo a significant transformation with the announcement of a major infrastructure development. A state-of-the-art, pre-fabricated classroom facility valued at US$6.6 million will be constructed to accommodate up to 1,000 students simultaneously. This ambitious project, funded by the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFUND), represents a substantial investment in the university’s future and its capacity to deliver quality education to an expanding student body.

Key Points

Background

The University of Business and Integrated Development Studies (UBIDS), formerly known as Simon Diedong Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies (SDD-UBIDS), has been experiencing steady growth in student enrollment. The institution recently underwent a name change, reflecting its evolving identity and mission within Ghana’s higher education landscape.

During the 2025/2026 academic year, UBIDS matriculated 2,301 students, including 868 degree students, 1,030 first-degree program students, 205 Master’s students, 95 PhD candidates, and 103 students in the Post-First Degree Law (L200) program. Notably, female enrollment at the undergraduate level reached approximately 52.6%, demonstrating the university’s success in attracting female students to its programs.

However, this growth has placed considerable strain on existing infrastructure, making the new classroom project both timely and essential. The pre-fabricated nature of the construction offers advantages in terms of speed of deployment and potential cost savings compared to traditional building methods.

Analysis

The US$6.6 million investment in pre-fabricated classroom infrastructure represents a strategic approach to addressing immediate capacity challenges while maintaining quality standards. Pre-fabricated construction methods have gained popularity in educational infrastructure development due to their efficiency, reduced construction time, and often lower overall costs.

The decision to fund this project through GETFUND demonstrates the government’s commitment to supporting higher education institutions in Ghana. This investment aligns with broader national objectives to expand access to quality tertiary education and strengthen the country’s human capital development.

The timing of this announcement, coinciding with the university’s recent name change and matriculation ceremony, suggests a coordinated effort to signal UBIDS’s growth trajectory and enhanced capacity to prospective students, faculty, and stakeholders. The project addresses a critical need, as the university’s current infrastructure has been described as “few” in relation to the growing student population.

Practical Advice

For current and prospective students of UBIDS, this development signals several important considerations:

1. **Academic Planning**: With increased classroom capacity, students can expect more flexible scheduling options and potentially reduced competition for popular courses.

2. **Campus Navigation**: The new facility will likely become a central hub for academic activities, so students should familiarize themselves with campus maps and building locations as construction progresses.

3. **Financial Planning**: While the project aims to improve the learning environment, students should stay informed about any potential fee adjustments that might be necessary to support ongoing infrastructure development.

4. **Academic Integrity**: As emphasized by the Vice-Chancellor, maintaining high standards of academic integrity remains paramount. Students should utilize university resources on proper citation and research methodologies.

5. **Gender Equity**: Female students, particularly at postgraduate levels, should explore mentorship opportunities and support programs designed to address the gender gap in advanced studies.

FAQ

Conclusion

The US$6.6 million pre-fabricated classroom project at UBIDS represents a transformative investment in the university’s infrastructure and its capacity to serve students effectively. As the institution continues to grow and evolve, this development addresses critical space constraints while signaling the government’s commitment to supporting higher education in Ghana. The project’s completion will significantly enhance the learning environment for thousands of students and position UBIDS to better fulfill its educational mission in the years to come.