History
From conviction to institution
Southshore university College — originally Dominion University College — was founded on a simple but radical idea: that Africa's own wisdom, creativity and realities are the true source of transformative knowledge.
Founding
2009 — 2013From establishment to first students.
- 2009
Founding
Dominion University College is established by the Christian Action Faith Ministries International (now Action Chapel International), laying the foundation for a new kind of higher-education institution in Ghana.
Dominion University College was created under the Companies Act, combining academic rigour with practical engagement. The founding ministry envisioned an institution where faith, intellect, and service would intertwine to produce graduates capable of transforming their societies.
- 2012
Affiliation & Accreditation
The institution signs an affiliation agreement with the University of Cape Coast as its degree-awarding institution, and receives accreditation from the then National Accreditation Board (now the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission).
The University of Cape Coast affiliation provided a rigorous academic framework, while NAB accreditation formally recognised national standards. These achievements followed years of meticulous preparation in curriculum design, faculty recruitment, and infrastructure investment.
- 2013
First Students Admitted
The first cohort of 3 students is admitted, beginning the institution's journey as a teaching and learning community.
The inaugural cohort of 3 students enabled close faculty relationships and refined pedagogical approaches. These pioneers established norms of intellectual curiosity, mutual respect, and social responsibility that continue to define the student experience.
Formation
2016 — 2018First graduates, new identity, and renewed ownership.
- 2016
First Graduation & Name Change
The institution graduates its first batch of students and changes its name to Southshore university College, signalling a new phase of identity and ambition.
The first graduation proved the institution's academic model could carry students from admission to completion. The name change to Southshore university College reflected a forward-looking, open institution rooted in Africa's intellectual and economic future.
- 2018
New Proprietorship
The institution's proprietorship is transferred to The African Leadership Institute, a group of scholars dedicated to advancing Africa's intellectual, technological, and economic sovereignty, founded by Professor Felix Nikoi Hammond.
Transfer to The African Leadership Institute (Professor Felix Nikoi Hammond) re-centred the institution on African-led development. The new proprietorship brought expertise in governance, technology, and economic policy, reshaping strategic direction toward research, innovation, and continental impact.
Growth
2020 — 2026Graduate education, research institutes, and long-term strategy.
- 2020
Graduate School Established
The university establishes its graduate school as a semi-autonomous unit responsible for the delivery and quality assurance of all postgraduate studies and research.
The semi-autonomous graduate school introduced master's and doctoral programmes, acknowledging the institution's maturity. Its structure allows freedom to experiment across disciplines while maintaining alignment with the university's overarching mission.
- 2024
Nsowah Noamah Statistics & AI Institute
The institution establishes the Nsowah Noamah Statistics and AI Institute, dedicated to advancing data science, statistical methods, and artificial intelligence research and education.
Named in honour of Professor Nicholas N N N Nsowah Noamah, the institute trains African data scientists and AI researchers. Its applied research agenda spans health, agriculture, governance, and finance, ensuring Africa's data revolution is led by Africans.
- 2026
First 10-Year Strategic Plan
The institution develops its first 10-year strategic plan, charting a long-term course for growth, academic excellence, and continental impact.
Developed through a participatory process involving faculty, students, alumni, and advisors, the plan targets enrolment growth, research output, infrastructure, and new schools (Law, Health Sciences, Engineering). Pan-African collaboration, technology-driven education, venture-led, and character-driven leadership are its cross-cutting themes.