Pro-Vice-Chancellor, UEW, Prof. Victor Antwi, in his welcome address, emphasised the pivotal role of doctoral studies in advancing knowledge and critical thinking. He applauded the contributions of international delegates, partners, and guest speakers, highlighting cross-cultural collaboration.

Prof. Antwi underscored the seminar as a pivotal platform for doctoral candidates to showcase their research, gain insightful feedback, and forge valuable connections with peers and mentors. He emphasised the importance of active participation, insightful debate, and vibrant knowledge sharing, creating an enriching and dynamic environment for all attendees.

Prof. Andy Ofori-Birikorang, the immediate past Pro-Vice-Chancellor of UEW, chaired the opening ceremony on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor. He stressed the crucial role of fostering partnerships, promoting academic interests, and upholding high standards in teaching and research.

He underscored the value of conferences in providing supervision, evaluation, and a framework for doctoral registration. He urged PhD students to hone their research skills despite budget limitations.

Prof. Ofori-Birikorang advocated for harmonising resources, establishing a permanent secretariat, and providing administrative support to enhance IUCDS activities. He suggested making such conferences compulsory for doctoral students by reinforcing collaboration between faculties, colleges, and schools. He emphasised the importance of patronising local journals and promoting quality teaching and research.

The Vice-Chancellor's representative unveiled plans for language proficiency programmes, collaborative co-supervision, and joint assessment of doctoral theses with partner institutions. Highlighting a strong commitment to academic excellence, he also announced the establishment of a research, innovation, and staff development fund, aiming to propel scholarly achievements and professional growth.

Prof. D. S. Y. Amuzu, Executive Secretary of IUCDS, provided an insightful overview of IUCDS activities. Prof. M. A. Ilupeju, Dean of the Faculty of Arts at the University of Lagos, Nigeria, summarised the IUCDS journal (JoReFi).

Prof. Samuel Kwesi Asiedu-Addo, former Dean of the School of Graduate Studies (SGS) at UEW, guided participants through choosing thesis topics, problem statements, research objectives, questions, hypotheses, and theoretical frameworks.

Dr. Akwasi Amoako-Gyampah, Vice-Dean of SGS at UEW, delivered an engaging appraisal of the university's doctoral studies programmes to participants. He offered profound insights into the theoretical and conceptual frameworks, along with a detailed examination of literature reviews, emphasising their justifications and significance in advancing scholarly research.

The IUCDS seminar exemplified the power of collaboration, knowledge exchange, and academic excellence. Participants left with renewed enthusiasm for their doctoral journeys, armed with fresh insights and connections that will shape their scholarly pursuits.