The Institute of Local Government Studies (ILGS) held its 15th Matriculation Ceremony for 119 students admitted into the undergraduate and graduate programmes for the 2025/2026 Academic Year on Friday, 27th March 2026 at both campuses.
The cohort, comprising 76 males and 43 females were led by Registrar, Mr. David Osei-Wusu, to swear the matriculation oath, which binds each student to abide by all rules and regulations and uphold good behaviour while pursuing their studies, in order to promote a positive image of the Institute.
Prof. Nicholas Awortwi, Director of ILGS, in his address stated that the Institute has achieved about 90% of the milestones set in the 2020 Strategic Plan. He noted that the Institute has expanded its postgraduate programmes from four to twelve and has introduced undergraduate degree programmes. This, he explained, positioned ILGS as a preferred institution for development partners working to strengthen capacity in the local governance sector.
He further explained that this year marks 14 years of the Institute’s affiliation to the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and noted that it had been a strategic objective that the Institute would attain autonomy by the end of 2025.
In this regard, he noted that the bill for the proposed university, University of Governance and Development (UGD) will soon be laid before Parliament by the Hon. Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs (MLGCRA).
Prof. Awortwi also indicated that once the Institute attains university status, a third campus in the middle belt (Akumadan) will become operational. He added that, as the campuses expand, additional faculties and programmes of study will be introduced.
He therefore encouraged the students to become ambassadors of ILGS/UGD, as well as advocates and partners in the journey towards attaining university status.
He further advised the students to be critical thinkers, to challenge existing orthodoxies, and to propose innovative ideas, and formally welcomed them to ILGS.