UDS School of Economics calls for stronger research funding

By Ibrahim Abubakari DINNANI

The School of Economics of the University for Development Studies (UDS) has held its second Public Lecture Series at the Nyankpala Campus with a call for stronger research funding and collaboration among educational institutions to enhance quality education in the country.

The School of Economics argued that improved research funding would help lecturers and researchers alike to access the needed resources in fact-finding to provide accurate information while teaching and nurturing the younger generations.

The event, which brought together academics, students and development practitioners, was to reflect on the role of research and innovation in shaping higher education in Africa.

Held under the theme ‘Research and Innovation Development in Higher Educational Institutions: Understanding the Landscape’, the presentations stressed the need for universities, especially those in developing economies, to strengthen research capacity, enhance collaboration and diversify funding sources.

The Chairman for the occasion and Principal of the Nyankpala Campus, Prof. Mohammed Muniru Iddrisu, underscored the importance of having a dedicated funding stream for the Faculty of Economics within UDS.

He noted that the faculty would continue to play a pivotal role in producing highly skilled economists whose work contributes significantly to national development.

Prof. Iddrisu charged universities in Ghana to mobilise resources to transform brilliant academic ideas into tangible outcomes.

He praised the vision of the Vice-Chancellor of UDS, Prof. Seidu Al-Hassan, for establishing a research fund aimed at supporting innovative projects that address societal challenges.

Associate Professor of Agricultural Economics and the Dean of the School of Economics, Prof. Awuni Joseph, emphasised that the lecture series was designed to deepen students’ understanding of emerging innovations in the field of Economics.

He explained that exposing students to advanced research insights was crucial for preparing them to respond effectively to the rapidly evolving global economic landscape.

Pro-Vice Chancellor of the University of Ghana, Prof. Felix A. Asante, delivered a thought-provoking presentation on resource mobilisation in higher education institutions. He observed that Africa continues to lag in attracting and sustaining research funding, despite the continent generating many groundbreaking ideas.

Citing the European Union’s (EU) funding patterns, he noted that the Centre for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) remains one of the largest beneficiaries of EU research support, demonstrating the potential gains when systems are well-structured and coordinated.

Prof. Asante encouraged African governments and universities to strengthen their funding frameworks to harness the continent’s intellectual potential.

He further stressed the need for closer collaboration between the Ministry of Education and other government agencies in securing scholarships for students, while urging African countries to invest intentionally in research to enable the commercialisation of innovations.

He called on universities in Ghana to work collectively when applying for research grants rather than operating in isolation.

To ensure long-term sustainability, Prof. Asante recommended diversification of funding sources and stronger capacity-building initiatives across higher education institutions.

As a gesture of appreciation, the Dean of the School of Economics and the Principal of the Nyankpala Campus presented a beautifully designed smock and plaque to Prof. Felix A. Asante for his insightful contribution to the lecture series.

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