The University for Development Studies (UDS) has strongly refuted claims of involvement in fraudulent activities related to the National Service Scheme (NSS).
This follows a publication by The Fourth Estate, which alleged that UDS had 226 students, all named “Abubakari Fuseni,” enrolled in a fictitious Bachelor of Arts in Integrated Development Studies (BA IDS) program for the 2022/2023 service year.
In a statement posted on the official Facebook page of the University’s Director of Public Affairs, Abdul Hayi Moomen, the allegations by the Fourth Estate are entirely baseless, misleading, and damaging to the reputation of the institution.
“UDS has never, at any point, submitted fraudulent data to the National Service Secretariat or been involved in any act that compromises the integrity of the NSS deployment process.”
The statement also highlighted that it has not offered the BA IDS program since 2018, following the conversion of its Wa Campus into the autonomous Simon Diedong Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies (SDD-UBIDS).
“The claim that 226 students bearing the same name were enrolled in the BA IDS program at UDS in the 2022/2023 academic year is not only false but also practically impossible.”
Reaffirming its commitment to integrity, he emphasized that, “UDS has consistently upheld the highest standards of integrity in all academic and administrative processes. Our student records are meticulously maintained, verified, and audited to ensure accuracy. The University follows strict verification protocols before submitting any data to external bodies, including the National Service Secretariat.”
He has assured all stakeholders of the University for Development Studies of its dedication to transparency and ethical governance, urging the public to disregard the unfounded allegations.
*Read full statement below*
UDS CATEGORICALLY DENIES ALLEGATIONS OF INVOLVEMENT IN NSS FRAUD
The attention of the management of the University for Development Studies (UDS) has been drawn to a publication by The Fourth Estate, which alleges that UDS was among the universities used to perpetrate fraudulent activities related to the National Service Scheme (NSS).
The publication further claims that in the 2022/2023 service year, UDS had 226 students, all named “Abubakari Fuseni,” who were purportedly enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts in Integrated Development Studies (BA IDS) program.
The University for Development Studies wishes to state, in no uncertain terms, that these allegations are entirely baseless, misleading, and damaging to the reputation of our institution. UDS has never, at any point, submitted fraudulent data to the National Service Secretariat or been involved in any act that compromises the integrity of the NSS deployment process.
SETTING THE RECORDS STRAIGHT
• UDS Does Not Offer BA Integrated Development Studies
The claim that 226 students bearing the same name were enrolled in the BA IDS programme at UDS in the 2022/2023 academic year is not only false but also practically impossible. Since 2018, following the conversion of our erstwhile Wa Campus into the autonomous Simon Diedong Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies (SDD-UBIDS), UDS has ceased offering a program in Integrated Development Studies. It is, therefore, factually incorrect to associate UDS with this programme.
UDS has consistently upheld the highest standards of integrity in all academic and administrative processes. Our student records are meticulously maintained, verified, and audited to ensure accuracy. The University follows strict verification protocols before submitting any data to external bodies, including the National Service Secretariat. It is inconceivable that UDS could be linked to the alleged fraudulent activities.
The University for Development Studies remains committed to academic excellence, transparency, and ethical governance. We assure our stakeholders, including students, parents, alumni, and the general public, that UDS will continue to uphold its core values of integrity, accountability, and service to the nation.
We urge the public to disregard these unfounded allegations
For any further clarification, the public is encouraged to contact the UDS Directorate of Public Affairs at prs@uds.edu.gh
Issued by:
Mr. Abdul Hayi Moomen
(Director of Public Affairs)
