BACKGROUND
The University for Development studies (UDS) was established in May 1992 as a public university by PNDC Law 279 (section 2) to prepare graduate who are practically oriented without sacrificing academic excellence. Its primary catchments area covers the northern most segment of the country, Northern, Upper East, Upper West and Brong Ahafo regions. It is a multi- campus university and current has campuses in Navrongo, Tamale and Wa.
Research is a lifeline and integral part of every institution of higher learning. Consequently, the Centre for Continuing Education and Inter-disciplinary Research (CCEIR) formally known as the Centre for Inter-disciplinary Research was established in July 2000 to promote and conduct basic, applied and policy oriented demand driven research. The Centre�s research agenda is driven by the philosophy of the university which emphasizes community- based problem solving approach to development. The research mission of the Centre therefore establishes the inextricable link between research and socio-economic development using evidence-based research to influence policy for quality of life.
Vision
The vision of the Centre is to create opportunities for linking research and socio- economic development.
Mission
The Centre for Continuing Education and inter-disciplinary Research exists to promote research and teaching for socio-economic advancement in Northern Ghana in particular and Ghana as a whole. The Centre conducts inter-disciplinary research in the domain of development and the social sciences; facilitates and coordinates research activities in the Faculties and liaises with Civil Society Organizations to disseminate research findings for development and policy advocacy. It organises professional training at the graduate level and short courses for capacity building for grass-roots development.
RESEARCH FOCUS
Peace Building and Conflict Management
Peace and development are intrinsically inter-twined. Given that peace is the main ingredient for socio-economic development, the centre conducts evidence -based research in this discipline for advocacy to inform policy formulation.
Culture and endogenous knowledge system
The centre recognizes the imperative role of indigenous knowledge systems in sustainable community development. We therefore conduct research into this area so as to establish the missing link between culture and development in the contemporary society.
Health Economics and Social Protection
There is ample evidence demonstrating the links between health and productivity. Good health leads to increased productivity and social protection promotes quality of life and economic empowerment of vulnerable groups. Our research in this domain provides the evidence using economic principles to promote health and economic development.
Gender and Development
Gender mainstreaming is an integral part of the University�s strategic plan. In pursuit of this, the Centre conducts research in the domain of Gender empowerment and development.
Academic Programmes
As part of its contribution to the mission and philosophy of the university, the Centre runs career oriented Masters degree programmes and short capacity building courses in the following areas:
- MA in Environmental Security and Livelihood Change
- MA in Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO) Management and Rural Development.
Linkages and Collaboration
Internally, there is collaboration between the Centre and the academic Faculties in the areas of research and teaching. Also, the Centre collaborates with local and international NGOs, MDAs, CBOs and FBOs in research and training for sustainable development. The Centre collaborates with Tamale Institute of Cross Cultural Studies (TICCS) in the areas of cross cultural research, teaching and learning. The Centre also has a long standing collaboration with the Ghana Institute of Linguistics, Literacy and Bible Translation and a host of NGOs in Northern Ghana
OTHER PROGRAMMES AND ACTIVITIES
Policy Review and Dialogue Sessions.
CCEIR in collaboration with the Research and Postgraduate Centre organizes policy review sessions in the Harmattan School; a forum that engages stakeholders and development partners to brainstorm on pertinent development issuesAnnual Inter-faculty Lectures.
The annual inter-faculty lectures is an initiative of the Centre which brings academicians together to present research works for peer review and publication
Teaching
The Centre supports the various campus of the University for Development Studies in teaching and learning in several areas.
Third Trimester Field Practical Training Programme (TTFPTP).
Staff of the Centre actively participate in the University Third Trimester Field Practical Training Programme (TTFPTP) as Field Coordinators, Coordinators and Research Advisors.
| Staff | |
|---|---|
| Dr. Seidu Al-hassan |
Director of CCEIR |
| Dr. Mahama, E. S. |
Research Fellow |
| Mr. Felix Y. T. Longi |
Research Fellow |
| Mr. George S. Anarwat |
Research Fellow |
| Abazaami Joseph |
Research Fellow |
| Emelia Guo-Seidu |
Research Fellow |
| Wimbilah A .K |
Assistant Registrar |
| Judith Bawah |
Research Fellow |
| Mr. Gordon Nii-Nai Marley
|
Senior Research Assistant |
| Mr. Akudugu A. Mamudu |
Principal Research Assistant |