ICEIR Holds 2015 Annual Interdisciplinary Conference In Wa

The Institute for Continuing Education and Interdisciplinary Research (ICEIR) has hosted its Annual Interdisciplinary Conference (AIC) for 2015 on September 2nd and 3rd in Wa in the Upper West Region.

Chairing the conference which was themed “Governance, Science, Technology and National Development, Professor Herbert Dei, Dean of Graduate School, UDS, reminded participants of the University’s mandate and how the this ties in with good governance. He encouraged fellow researchers to be imaginative so as to ensure good governance and National Development for that matter.

Dr. Sylvester Galaa on behalf of The Dean-In charge of the University’s Campus in Wa, delivered the welcome address. “We in Wa Campus are delighted to welcome all to the AIC and it is an honour for us to have hosted this conference 3 times in less than a decade”.

This year’s AIC marked the second session since its evolution from inter-faculty lectures to a conference and the Institute received 66 abstracts out of which 59 have been reviewed. The Director of ICEIR, Professor Seidu Al-hassan, emphasised that the aim of the AIC is to promote excellent research work as research publications are the bedrock of every academic institution. He acknowledged Professor Millar, former Pro-Vice-Chancellor of UDS for instituting the AIC. The current Vice-Chancellor, Professor Haruna Yakubu was not left out on the list of gratitudes. Prof. Yakubu was acknowledged for facilitating the elevation of the Centre to the status of an Institute. Again, it was he who advised that the AIC be held around themes.

This AIC marks the last time Professor Haruna Yakubu will address it as the Vice-Chancellor of UDS.  He was very optimistic of the growth of UDS. “I foresee this university growing above its current standing through its research activities and to be recognized globally as an institute of excellence. I am confident that this would not be long in coming, provided ICEIR continues through this trajectory”.  Quality research publications influence a university’s visibility and for that matter, it’s ranking. However, research does not come cheap; Professor Yakubu therefore challenged the private sector to extend support by funding research activities of tertiary institutions to offset the burden on government and promote development.

The opening ceremony was also graced by the Deputy Regional Minister of the Upper West Region, Dr. Musheibu M. Alfa who represented the Regional Minister, and was accompanied by the Deputy Co-ordinating Director, Mr. Boahene. Dr. Alfa admonished all to approach the AIC with all seriousness. He added that government recognises the relevance of such academic activity hence government’s decision to establish the academic research fund. 

Source: uds.com.gh