UDS confers honorary doctorate degree on Pohamba

By Albert Futukpor, GNA
Tamale, Apr 03, GNA - The University for Development Studies (UDS) has conferred honourary Doctorate Degree on Mr Hifikepunye Lucas Pohamba, a former President of Namibia for his dedication to the service of humanity and collective fight for independence and equity in Namibia.

A citation accompanying the award described Mr Pohamba as an avowed promoter of social equity, and a selfless and exemplary leader with commitment to service to country and humanity.

Authorities of UDS decorated Mr Pohamba with the honours at a special congregation in Tamale on Friday.

The special congregation, which climaxed the fourth edition of the Africa Leadership Lectures, delivered by Mr Pohamba from Wednesday to Friday, also saw the graduation of 118 students with doctorate and master of philosophy degrees in various fields.

The Africa Leadership Lectures, instituted by the UDS in 2013, are intended to contribute to a national and transnational discourse on productive leadership culture that will support and enhance African development.

In his acceptance speech, Mr Pohamba, who was the 2014 recipient of the Mo Ibrahim Award on Africa Leadership, said the honour conferred on him reaffirmed the friendship between Ghana and Namibia, and dedicated the award to the people of Namibia, where he served as President from 2005 to 2015.

He acknowledged the contributions of Ghanaian intellectuals to the development of Namibia in the areas of fisheries and judiciary.

Mr Pohamba commended UDS for instituting the Africa Leadership Lecture series encouraging it (UDS) to continue with the innovation to enable African leaders share their experiences with the rest of the continent.

He also impressed on African graduates to remain on the continent and work towards her development saying 'No one can develop Africa except Africans'.

Mr Abdallah Abubakari, Northern Regional Minister, who represented President John Mahama, appealed to political parties to conduct their campaigns in a manner that would not undermine the peace of the country.

Mr Abdallah assured that government would continue to support the development and growth of all public universities urging them to come out with programmes to promote the growth of the country.

Professor Stephen Kendie, Chairman of the Governing Council of UDS said the country was showing the way in infrastructure development, access to social services amongst others, which would propel the development of the country.

Professor Gabriel Ayum Teye, called for circumspection during the electioneering campaign to effectively engage the people.

He appealed to government and civil society organizations to support UDS in its quest to shape leadership in the country and beyond.

He announced that UDS would soon begin courses in dentistry and pharmacy amongst others to train highly required human resource to serve the country.

GNA