[ad_1]
President Akufo-Addo revealed that processes are underway to rename the Tamale University of Development Studies (UDS) in honor of former President Jerry John Rawlings.
Paying tribute to the former statesman’s funeral service on Wednesday, he conceded that although Mr Rawlings rejected the offer during his lifetime, naming the tertiary institution after him is an honor after his death.
President Akufo-Addo insisted that the act aims to immortalize the dynamic and energetic leader who played an important role in establishing the institution.
“While he was with us, he respectfully declined an offer I made him in 2017, that the University of Development Studies (UDS), Tamale, which he personally helped create, carry her name.
“Two days after his death, at the 21st Congregation of the UDS, I expressed my strongest convictions that despite his reservations, such an honor should be granted to him,” he said.
The President said: “I am happy that this has found favor with his [Mr Rawlings’] family, and the necessary formalities will be carried out to achieve this, i.e. Jerry John Rawlings University of Development Studies, Tamale.
In 2019, Mr Rawlings called on then Education Minister Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh to remove the aspect of the college bill that would ensure UDS bears his name.
This was because the former statesman had a long-standing principle of “not having a national monument or installation bearing his name”.
However, after his disappearance, many, including his family, President Akufo-Addo and the leadership of the UDS pleaded for the tertiary institution to bear his name.
JJ Rawlings passed away on Thursday, November 12 at 10 a.m.
The 73-year-old man died at Korle-Bu University Hospital in Accra after a short illness.
Source link
