Education Minister hails UDS football team, pledges gov’t support

Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu has praised the University for Development Studies (UDS) football team for bringing honour to Ghana after emerging global university football champions.

Speaking at the Jubilee House when the team called on President John Mahama, Mr. Iddrisu said their victory had elevated Ghana’s image internationally.

“Mr. President, they made you proud. They made Ghana proud. And Ghana is grateful,” he said.

He lauded the team’s discipline and teamwork, describing them as “heroes of university football at the global level.”

According to him, their achievement demonstrated the potential of Ghanaian students when given the right opportunities and encouragement. “Discipline, discipline is what is required of you, both on the pitch and outside the pitch,” he urged.

The minister also announced that the government would address one of the university’s key logistical challenges.

“One of the major limitations of UDS is that they don’t have a bus,” he noted, revealing that arrangements had been made through the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) to procure a 66-seater bus for the university.

“Mr. President, in the first quarter of 2026, you have the honour to present one of those buses to UDS,” he added.

Mr. Iddrisu commended President Mahama for his commitment to improving tertiary education, including revising the university’s legislation to strengthen its operations.

“Our Vice Chancellor, you are here when the President promised that he will revise your legislation. Thanks to President John Mahama, we have accordingly revised your act,” he stated to applause.

He also assured the players and the university community of continued government support. “The country is very proud of you, and I’m sure President Mahama will do the needful in honouring your sacrifice,” he said.

Last week, The University for Development Studies football team was crowned champions of the 2025 World University Football Championship in China after a dramatic last-minute winner against defending champions Paulista University.

The African champions, who claimed the FASU Games football trophy in Lagos, Nigeria just a year ago, stunned the world stage in Dalian with a 2-1 victory after extra time.

With only a minute left on the clock, UDS earned a decisive corner kick and sent it straight into the net, sealing their place in history.

The victory has been widely celebrated across Ghana, with leaders praising the team’s determination and resilience.

Vice President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyeman also commended the squad, calling the triumph a symbol of inspiration for young athletes across the continent.

“Your determination, teamwork, and resilience have lifted Ghana to the pinnacle of global university football. This victory is a triumph for UDS and the entire nation. Know that you have written your names in history and inspired young people across Ghana and beyond,” she wrote on X.

Former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia described the achievement as “a truly historic feat that has brought pride to Ghana and Africa.”

He congratulated the players for their perseverance on the global stage.

For UDS, the win marks the culmination of a spirited journey that began with continental success and now extends to global dominance.

From Lagos to Dalian, the Tamale-based institution has demonstrated consistency, heart, and belief, culminating in a historic first-ever World University Football Championship title for Ghana.