The University for Development Studies (UDS) has conferred an honorary Doctor of Letters degree on the Overlord of Dagbon, Ya-Na Abukari II, in recognition of his outstanding commitment to educational development, social transformation and peacebuilding within and beyond the Dagbon Kingdom.
The honour, bestowed at a special congregation in Tamale last Saturday, acknowledged the Ya-Na’s role in promoting sustainable development, strengthening community cohesion and supporting youth empowerment.
The conferment also makes him an alumnus and certificate holder of the premier university.
Transformational leader
The Vice-Chancellor of UDS, Professor Seidu Al-Hassan, described the Ya-Na as a transformational leader whose reign had turned conflict into cohesion and unity into development.
He pointed out that the Overlord had been widely admired for reconciling rival factions and promoting forgiveness, dialogue and peaceful coexistence, efforts that have helped to stabilise and reposition Dagbon as a united and forward-looking kingdom.
“Through his efforts, Dagbon has risen again and become more united, stable and forward-looking. He is deeply committed to peace and youth empowerment, working closely with development partners for the advancement of his people,” he said.
Prof. Al-Hassan indicated that the Ya-Na had allocated 500 acres of land for the establishment of a UDS campus in Yendi and subsequently provided a temporary facility for the university to commence academic programmes in the area.
He emphasised that the Overlord’s consistent prioritisation of education aligns with UDS’s mandate of providing practical, life-transforming education and nurturing future leaders for Dagbon and beyond.
Appreciation
The Overlord expressed gratitude to UDS for recognising his contributions, especially in the areas of education and development.
He described the recognition as both an honour and a call to further action.
“This honour from UDS is not mine alone; it belongs to everyone in the Dagbon Kingdom and all those who continue to support us with their resources and kindness,” he said.
The Ya-Na reaffirmed his resolve to support the growth, visibility, and progress of the university.
Commendation
The Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, commended UDS for acknowledging the invaluable contributions of the Overlord, describing the honour as a testament to his exemplary leadership and service to society.
