Parliament has approved amendments to the names of two public universities, a move the government said will enhance inclusivity, strengthen stakeholder engagement, and improve the global competitiveness of Ghana’s higher education institutions.
The House passed the Simon Diedong Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies (Amendment) Bill, 2025, clearing the way for the institution to be renamed the University of Business and Integrated Development Studies (UBIDS), Wa. The Bill was approved on Friday, December 19, 2025.
The amendment removes the name of the late Prime Minister, Simon Diedong Dombo, from the university’s title while maintaining its core academic focus on business and integrated development studies.
The government explained that the change is aimed at improving public perception and strengthening the university’s relationship with key stakeholders.
According to officials, the revised name is expected to boost student enrolment, attract increased funding, and deepen support from alumni and development partners.
It is also intended to position the university more competitively on the global stage by making it more appealing to international students and academic collaborators.
UBIDS is located in Wa in the Upper West Region and has grown over the years into a major contributor to human capital development, particularly in northern Ghana.
In a related development, Parliament also approved the C.K. Tedam University of Technology and Applied Sciences Amendment Bill, 2025, allowing the institution to be renamed the University of Technology and Applied Sciences, Navrongo.
The decision followed concerns raised by traditional authorities and other stakeholders who argued that the existing name was exclusionary or potentially divisive. These concerns were formally presented to the Ministry of Education, prompting the government to initiate the amendment process.
The government said the change is intended to promote inclusivity, strengthen national cohesion, and align the university’s identity with global naming conventions in higher education.
Located in Navrongo in the Upper East Region, the university is one of Ghana’s newest public institutions, with a mandate to deliver practical, technology-driven education focused on applied sciences, innovation, and skills development to support national development.
With parliamentary approval secured for both institutions, the name changes will take effect after presidential assent, after which all official documents, signage, and branding will be updated accordingly.
