University of Professional Studies

University of Professional Studies
	University of Professional Studies logo
Former names	Institute of Professional Studies
Motto	"Scholarship with Professionalism"
Type	Public
Established	1965
Vice-Chancellor	Prof. Abednego Feehi Okoe Amartey
Students	20,000
Location	Accra, Greater Accra Region, Ghana; 5°39′36″N 0°10′00″W / 5.659884°N 0.166614°W
Website	www.upsa.edu.gh

The University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) formerly known as the Institute of Professional Studies (IPS), is a public university in Ghana. The main campus is located in Accra.^[1] UPSA is the first university in Ghana to provide both academic and business professional education. The University of Professional Studies Act, 2012 (Act 850) changed the name of the Institute ^[2] of Professional Studies to University of Professional Studies, Accra. UPSA is nationally and internationally accredited by the National Accreditation Board (Ghana) and the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), respectively.^[3]^[4]

It introduced the dual qualification scheme for its students ahead of the 2019/2020 academic year. With this new system, the students will be required to complete a chartered program such as the ACCA, ICAG, CIM, CIMA, ICSA and others, by the end of their degree study to better enhance their chances of employment in the job market.^[5]^[6]

History

The university was founded in 1965 as a private professional ^[2] business education tuition provider and was taken over by government in 1978 by the Institute ^[2] of Professional Studies Decree, 1978 (SMCD 200). It was subsequently established as a tertiary institution with a mandate to provide tertiary and professional education in accounting, Management and other related areas of study by the Institute of Professional Studies Act, (Act 566), 1999.

The then IPS had been offering tuition for business professional programmes. In September 2005, the then institute introduced Bachelor’s degree programmes to give meaning to the IPS Act 566. It received a Presidential Charter in September 2008, conferring on it the status of a fully-fledged public university. The University offers undergraduate ^[2] and post-graduate degrees in several programmes.^[7]

The development of the programmes coupled with trends in tertiary education at both local and international levels called for an amendment of the existing Act 566 of 1999. Subsequently, the University of Professional Studies Act, 2012 (ACT 850) was enacted to rename the institute as University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA).^[8]

UPSA has recently introduced “dual qualification scheme” for student for the 2019/2020 academic year . The policy is to make students who enroll in a degree programme to simultaneously and compulsorily pursue a corresponding professional programme such as ACCA, ICAG, CIM, CIMA, ICSA among others as an additional course thus graduating with both a degree and a chartered certificate.

Vice-Chancellor, Professor Abednego Feehi Okoe Amartey explained the new policy at the 11th Congregation of the University. [1]

In September 2020, President Nana Akufo-Addo commissioned a 500-seat capacity artificial stadium (AstroTurf) in UPSA. The sod for the stadium was cut in July 2019 and constructed by Wembley Sports Construction Company Limited. Aside the artificial football pitch, the facility houses spectator stands with a VIP area, changing rooms, washrooms, storage spaces, flood lighting and Sports Directorate offices for the University. The Vice-Chancellor indicated that the facility is accessible for use by the community.^[9]

Naming Hostel of Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh

The event, hosted on the university campus, honored Dr. Prempeh’s visionary leadership as Minister for Education and his significant contributions to advancing infrastructure development in tertiary institutions.

Dr. Kofi Ohene Konadu, Chairman of the UPSA University Council, praised Dr. Prempeh for his outstanding contributions to the university's growth and development.^[10]

He specifically highlighted Dr. Prempeh’s key role in securing funding and overseeing the construction of the state-of-the-art facility, now named the “Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh Hostel.”^[10]

“During his tenure as Minister for Education, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh demonstrated unwavering dedication to expanding access to education and fostering a conducive learning environment. This hostel serves as a lasting symbol of his commitment to enhancing tertiary education infrastructure,” said Dr. Konadu.^[10]

Office of the Vice-Chancellor

Prof Abednego Feehi Okoe Amartey 2016- (current Vice-Chancellor of the University of Professional Studies).

Prof Joshua Alabi^[11] 2012-2016 (1st Vice-Chancellor of the University of Professional Studies).

Programmes

Undergraduate Programmes

^[12]

Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations Management
Bachelor of Science in Accounting
Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Finance
Bachelor of Science in Business Economics
Bachelor of Science in Actuarial Science
Bachelor of Business Administration
Bachelor of Science in Information Technology Management
Bachelor of Science in Marketing
Bachelor of Science in Real Estate Management and Finance
4-Year Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
3-Year Post First Degree Bachelor of Laws (LLB)

Diplomas

^[12]

Diploma in Accounting
Diploma in Marketing
Diploma in Management
Diploma in Public Relations Management
Diploma in Information Technology Management

Professional programmes

Association Of Certified Chartered Accountants (ACCA) UK.
Institute of Chartered Accountants, Ghana (ICAG)
Chartered Institute Of Marketing, (CIM) UK.
Chartered Institute Of Management Accountants (CIMA) UK
Institute Of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators (ICSA) UK

Post Graduate Programmes

^[13]

Master of Philosophy in Finance
Master of Philosophy in Leadership
Master of Business Administration in Accounting and Finance
Master of Business Administration in Auditing
Master of Business Administration in Corporate Governance
Master of Business Administration in Internal Auditing
Master of Business Administration in Marketing
Master of Business Administration in Petroleum Accounting and Finance
Master of Business Administration in Total Quality Management
Master of Science in Leadership

Notable alumni

References

^ "University of Professional Studies, Accra". Times Higher Education (THE). 2021-11-14. Retrieved 2023-08-12.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d "Dictionary.com | Meanings & Definitions of English Words". Dictionary.com. 2024-07-25. Retrieved 2024-07-25.
^ "National Accreditation Board - Public Universities (10)". National Accreditation Board - Public Universities. Retrieved 2018-11-06.
^ "Educational Members - Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs". Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs. Retrieved 2018-11-06.
^ "UPSA introduces 'dual qualification' for students". GhanaWeb. Retrieved 2019-08-25.
^ Sagoe, Kojo (2019-07-15). "All You Need To Know About The 11th Congregation Of The University Of Professional Studies Accra". Kuulpeeps - Ghana Campus News and Lifestyle Site by Students. Retrieved 2020-12-25.
^ "Institute of Professional Studies(IPS)". Ghana Yello Website. Ghana Yello. 31 January 2014. Retrieved 2014-02-19.
^ "History of the University". University of Professional Studies, Accra. Archived from the original on 2014-02-08. Retrieved 2014-02-10.
^ "Akufo-Addo commissions UPSA AstroTurf stadium". MyJoyOnline. 2020-09-04. Retrieved 2020-09-05.
^ ^a ^b ^c Online, Onua (2024-11-19). "UPSA names hostel after Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh for contributions to education". OnuaOnline. Retrieved 2024-11-19.
^ "Akufo-Addo Congratulates Prof Alabi". GhanaWeb. 2012-11-24. Retrieved 2020-12-25.
^ ^a ^b "Undergraduate & Diploma Programmes". Undergraduate & Diploma Programmes. Retrieved 2018-11-06.
^ "Graduate Degree". Undergraduate & Diploma Programmes. Retrieved 2018-11-06.

Sources

Institute of Professional Studies (2008–2011). "IPS STUDENTS' HANDBOOK". Institute of Professional Studies.

External links

[1] "University of Professional Studies, Accra". Times Higher Education (THE). 2021-11-14. Retrieved 2023-08-12.

[dictionary.com-2] "Dictionary.com | Meanings & Definitions of English Words". Dictionary.com. 2024-07-25. Retrieved 2024-07-25.

[3] "National Accreditation Board - Public Universities (10)". National Accreditation Board - Public Universities. Retrieved 2018-11-06.

[4] "Educational Members - Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs". Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs. Retrieved 2018-11-06.

[5] "UPSA introduces 'dual qualification' for students". GhanaWeb. Retrieved 2019-08-25.

[6] Sagoe, Kojo (2019-07-15). "All You Need To Know About The 11th Congregation Of The University Of Professional Studies Accra". Kuulpeeps - Ghana Campus News and Lifestyle Site by Students. Retrieved 2020-12-25.

[7] "Institute of Professional Studies(IPS)". Ghana Yello Website. Ghana Yello. 31 January 2014. Retrieved 2014-02-19.

[8] "History of the University". University of Professional Studies, Accra. Archived from the original on 2014-02-08. Retrieved 2014-02-10.

[9] "Akufo-Addo commissions UPSA AstroTurf stadium". MyJoyOnline. 2020-09-04. Retrieved 2020-09-05.

[:1-10] Online, Onua (2024-11-19). "UPSA names hostel after Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh for contributions to education". OnuaOnline. Retrieved 2024-11-19.

[11] "Akufo-Addo Congratulates Prof Alabi". GhanaWeb. 2012-11-24. Retrieved 2020-12-25.

[:0-12] "Undergraduate & Diploma Programmes". Undergraduate & Diploma Programmes. Retrieved 2018-11-06.

[13] "Graduate Degree". Undergraduate & Diploma Programmes. Retrieved 2018-11-06.

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v t e Universities in Ghana
Public university	University of Ghana University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology University of Cape Coast University of Education, Winneba University for Development Studies University of Mines and Technology University of Health and Allied Sciences University of Energy and Natural Resources
Private university	Valley View University Regional Maritime University Ashesi University Central University
University college	African University College of Communications All Nations University Baptist University College Catholic University College of Ghana Christian Service University College Evangelical Presbyterian University College Garden City University College Ghana Telecom University College Islamic University College, Ghana Methodist University College Ghana Pentecost University College Presbyterian University College Regent University College of Science and Technology University College of Management Studies Wisconsin International University College Zenith University College Accra Institute of Technology University of Media, Arts and Communication

v t e Association of African Universities
Algeria	Algiers 1 University Constantine 1 University Oran 1 University University of Ouargla University of Science and Technology Houari Boumediene
Angola	Agostinho Neto University
Benin	University of Abomey-Calavi
Botswana	Botho University Botswana Accountancy College Botswana International University of Science and Technology Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources University of Botswana
Burkina Faso	Nazi Boni University University of Ouagadougou
Burundi	University of Burundi
Cameroon	University of Bamenda University of Buea University of Douala University of Dschang University of Maroua University of Ngaoundéré University of Yaoundé I
Cape Verde	Jean Piaget University of Cape Verde
Central African Republic	EUCLID University of Bangui
Chad	University of N'Djamena
Republic of the Congo	Marien Ngouabi University
Cote d'Ivoire	International University of Grand-Bassam Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny
Democratic Republic of the Congo	Catholic University of Bukavu University of Kinshasa University of Kisangani University of Lubumbashi
Egypt	Ain Shams University Al-Azhar University Alexandria Higher Institute of Engineering and Technology Alexandria University Benha University Cairo University Egypt-Japan University of Science and Technology Egyptian e-Learning University Helwan University Mansoura University Menoufia University Minya University Misr University for Science and Technology October 6 University Pharos University in Alexandria South Valley University Suez Canal University Tanta University The American University in Cairo The British University in Egypt University of Sadat City Zagazig University
Eritrea	University of Asmara
Eswatini	University of Eswatini
Ethiopia	Addis Ababa Science and Technology University Addis Ababa University Ethiopian Civil Service University Haramaya University Hawassa University Jimma University Mekelle University St. Mary's University Wollega University
Gabon	Omar Bongo University
Ghana	Accra Institute of Technology Accra Technical University African University College of Communications All Nations University Ashesi University Bluecrest University College Central University George Grant University of Mines and Technology Ghana Institute of Languages Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration Koforidua Technical University Kumasi Technical University Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology Methodist University College Ghana Pentecost University Presbyterian University College Radford University College Regent University College of Science and Technology Regional Maritime University University for Development Studies University of Cape Coast University of Education, Winneba University of Energy and Natural Resources University of Ghana University of Health and Allied Sciences University of Professional Studies University of Media, Arts and Communication Valley View University Wisconsin International University College Zenith University College
Kenya	African Virtual University Catholic University of Eastern Africa Daystar University Dedan Kimathi University of Technology Egerton University International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology Kenyatta University Maseno University Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology Moi University Mount Kenya University Multimedia University of Kenya South Eastern Kenya University Strathmore University Umma University University of Eldoret University of Nairobi
Lesotho	National University of Lesotho
Liberia	Cuttington University Stella Maris Polytechnic University United Methodist University
Libya	Al Asmarya University for Islamic Sciences Al Zawiya University Misurata University Sabha University University of Benghazi University of Tripoli
Madagascar	University of Antananarivo University of Toamasina University of Toliara
Malawi	Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources Malawi University of Science and Technology UNICAF University of Malawi
Mali	University of Bamako
Mauritania	University of Nouakchott Al Aasriya
Mauritius	Open University of Mauritius University of Mauritius University of Technology, Mauritius
Morocco	Mohammed First University Mohammed V University University of al-Qarawiyyin
Mozambique	Catholic University of Mozambique Eduardo Mondlane University Maputo University
Namibia	International University of Management Namibia University of Science and Technology University of Namibia
Niger	Abdou Moumouni University Higher Institute of Mining, Industry and Geology Maryam Abacha American University Niger
Nigeria	Abia State University Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Adamawa State University Ahmadu Bello University Al-Hikmah University Babcock University Bayero University Bells University of Technology Bowen University Crawford University Delta State University, Abraka Ebonyi State University Federal University of Technology, Minna Federal University of Technology, Owerri Federal University of Technology, Yola Gombe State University Kogi State University Kwara State University Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Michael Okpara University of Agriculture National Open University of Nigeria Niger Delta University Nnamdi Azikiwe University Osun State University Pan-Atlantic University Redeemer's University Rivers State University University of Abuja University of Africa University of Agriculture, Abeokuta University of Agriculture, Makurdi University of Benin University of Calabar University of Ibadan University of Ilorin University of Lagos University of Port Harcourt University of Uyo Usman Dan Fodio University
Rwanda	Université Nationale du Rwanda
Sierra Leone	Njala University University of Sierra Leone
Somalia	Benadir University East Africa University Puntland State University
South Africa	Cape Peninsula University of Technology Central University of Technology Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University North-West University Rhodes University University of Cape Town University of Fort Hare University of Johannesburg University of KwaZulu-Natal University of the Free State University of Limpopo University of Pretoria University of South Africa University of Stellenbosch University of the Western Cape University of the Witwatersrand University of Venda University of Zululand Walter Sisulu University
South Sudan	University of Juba
Sudan	El Imam El Mahdi University Omdurman Ahlia University Red Sea University University of Science and Technology
Tanzania	Ardhi University Muslim University of Morogoro Mzumbe University St. Augustine University of Tanzania The Open University of Tanzania University of Dar es Salaam Zanzibar University
The Gambia	University of the Gambia
Togo	Université de Lomé
Uganda	Busitema University Uganda Christian University Uganda Management Institute Uganda Martyrs University
Zambia	Cavendish University Copperbelt University Mulungushi University University of Zambia Zambian Open University
Zimbabwe	Africa University Bindura University of Science Education Chinhoyi University of Technology Great Zimbabwe University Harare Institute of Technology Lupane State University Midlands State University National University of Science and Technology University of Zimbabwe Zimbabwe Open University

Authority control databases
International	ISNI VIAF
National	United States