Rotary, UBIDS explore stronger partnership in research, faculty exchange

The Rotary District 9104 is exploring a stronger partnership with the University for Business and Integrated Development Studies (UBIDS) to promote research, faculty and student exchange, mentorship and youth development.

The District Governor of Rotary District 9104, Jack Andrews Dotsey, PhD, led a delegation, together with the President of the Rotary Club of Wa, Dr. Eunice Yorgri, on a courtesy visit to UBIDS on Saturday, September 3, 2026 as part of his working visit to the Rotary Club of Wa.

The delegation was received by the Vice-Chancellor of UBIDS, Professor Emmanuel K. Derbile, and members of the university’s management.

Mr Dotsey said Rotary’s global network and professional membership could provide UBIDS with access to expertise, academic partnerships and resources beyond Ghana.

He identified faculty and student exchange as a key area for collaboration, saying Rotary could connect the university with institutions and academics within its international network.

“Some partnership with your institution would give you some leverage in terms of partnership with Rotary to bring in exchange of faculty, which is one area, exchange of students,” he said.

According to him, Rotary has relationships with universities globally and supports programmes in peace and development, creating opportunities for UBIDS to strengthen its international academic connections.

He also encouraged the university to identify major research areas where it could undertake groundbreaking work, assuring that Rotary could help provide specialised expertise where necessary.

Mr Dotsey cited faculty exchange and grant-writing support as examples of how Rotary could contribute to academic development. He said volunteers with specialised knowledge could support university faculty in areas such as research and grant writing.

The Rotary District Governor further highlighted mentorship and youth leadership as important areas of potential collaboration.

He said the Rotaract presence at the university could be used to help build students’ ethical standards and leadership skills, preparing them to become responsible citizens and contribute to national development.

Mr Dotsey noted that Rotary’s global presence could also give UBIDS greater visibility and create opportunities for the university to connect with institutions and organisations seeking academic and development partnerships.

Vice-Chancellor of UBIDS, Professor Emmanuel K. Derbile welcomed the proposed collaboration, saying it was consistent with the university’s mandate to combine teaching and research with development extension activities that improve people’s lives.

The Vice-Chancellor recalled Rotary’s previous support to the region, including assistance that provided equipment for the university’s medical centre.

He also recounted Rotary’s support during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, when the regional hospital was established as a treatment centre and urgently needed protective equipment and other supplies.

Professor Derbile said the university was able to provide supplies from its stores to support the regional hospitals, describing the experience as evidence of the practical value of partnerships focused on community development.

“In terms of what Rotary stands for, we've lived it and we are living it,” he said.

Wider opportunities.

Mr Dotsey also discussed other initiatives that could potentially benefit UBIDS and the wider region, including the possibility of hosting a regional edition of the University of Ghana’s New Year School in Wa.

During the visit, Rotary presented its Four-Way Test to Professor Derbile as a framework for ethical leadership, integrity and fairness. The Vice-Chancellor was also recognised with Rotary’s End Polio Now insignia and encouraged to support awareness of the global campaign to eradicate polio.