The Millar Institute for Transdisciplinary and Development Studies (MITDS) has chalked a major milestone in its 11-year history, having produced a total of 48 PhD holders, 22 MPhil graduates, and 36 first-degree holders since its establishment in 2014.
The disclosure was made by the Council Chairman of MITDS, Naa Ganglaar Bog-Belagr Tater V, during the Institute’s 7th congregation held in Bolgatanga, where 11 students graduated with PhDs in Culture and Development Studies.
Delivering his address, the Council Chairman described the achievements of MITDS as “remarkable deliverables” in Ghana’s tertiary education sector, stressing that the Institute is steadily contributing to the country’s skilled manpower development.
“It is refreshing to note that so far, the investments made in MITDS have yielded very significant gains by way of contributing to Ghana’s skilled knowledge and manpower development as reflected in the production of 36 first degrees, 22 MPhils, and 37 PhDs,” Naa Ganglaar said.
He further praised the leadership of MITDS for their resilience, especially in the face of economic challenges that have affected fee payments, describing the Institute as “a history-making institution worthy of support.”
Naa Ganglaar also highlighted recent achievements of MITDS, including reaccreditation of its MPhil and PhD programs by the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), new partnerships with international institutions, and plans for infrastructure expansion. He called on the government, GETFund, and development partners to support the Institute with facilities such as a library complex, ICT infrastructure, and a conference hall.
The event also featured a heartfelt valedictory speech delivered by Mr. David Jesining Sumbo on behalf of the graduating class. He paid tribute to supervisors, mentors, and families who supported the graduands through their academic journeys.
“The PhD journey has been a mixture of excitement and frustrations… but it is very fulfilling when at last you get there, knowing that you have contributed in your own little way to knowledge,” he said.
“As we leave this chapter of our lives behind, may we carry forward the curiosity to keep asking better questions, the courage to challenge broken structures, and the compassion to center the voices of those so often unheard.”
Since its inception, MITDS has positioned itself as a leading private tertiary institution in northern Ghana, specializing in innovative research, development-focused programs, and community engagement. With its growing visibility and academic output, stakeholders say the Institute is on a strong path toward securing a Presidential Charter, which would allow it to award its own degrees independent of UDS, its mentoring institution.
A1 Radioonline.com|101.1Mhz|Joshua Asaah|Bolgatanga
