By Kamal Ahmed
Somanya (E/R), March 03, GNA – The University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD) in Somanya has inducted 421 fresh students at its sixth matriculation ceremony, reaffirming its mandate to train professionals to address Ghana’s environmental and sustainability challenges.
The event, held at the Auditorium of the Multipurpose Building, brought together Council members, management, staff, families and friends in a colourful gathering. It highlighted the university’s growing reputation as a specialised institution focused on environment, sustainability and development.
Out of the total number inducted, 352 are undergraduate students, comprising 166 males and 186 females.
Another 69 students, made up of 60 males and nine females, were admitted into MSc and MPhil programmes.
The Registrar, Mrs Mary Abena Agyepong, administered the Matriculation Oath and the UESD Honour Code.
Speaking on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Eric Nyarko-Sampson, the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Edward Wiafe Debrah, described the day as a defining moment in the academic lives of the new students.
“Matriculation symbolises your official admission into a community of learning, inquiry, innovation and service to humanity,” he said.
He disclosed that the university received 711 applications for the academic year. After a merit-based selection process, 555 applicants were admitted, with 352 reporting.
“These numbers tell an important story, a story of growth and increasing confidence in UESD,” he said.
Prof. Debrah urged the students to take their studies seriously and to look beyond grades.
“Do not study for exams, study for impact. Examinations test memory, but life tests understanding,” he said.
He encouraged them to build competence, creativity and character, describing these as essential skills in today’s world.
He noted that UESD’s three pillars — Environment, Sustainability and Development — uniquely position the university to support national efforts in tackling climate change, biodiversity loss, sustainable agriculture and community development.
Council Chairman, Mr Emmanuel Seth Terkper, a former Minister of Finance, commended the students for gaining admission and reminded them that joining the university came with responsibility.
Quoting Nelson Mandela, he said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
He noted that UESD was established under Act 898 (2015) to address Ghana’s pressing environmental and sustainability concerns.
“In a world grappling with climate change, biodiversity loss, food insecurity and social inequality, institutions like UESD are not just relevant; they are essential,” he said.
Mr Terkper assured students of the Council’s commitment to strengthening governance, academic quality and strategic direction.
Representing the graduate students, Mr Agbemavor Vinyo Raymond pledged their commitment to rigorous research and responsible leadership.
Brain Sackey and Etornam Aloryor spoke on behalf of the undergraduate students.
The ceremony ended with the formal declaration admitting the students to the privileges and responsibilities of the University, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the sixth batch of UESD students.
GNA
Edited by D.I. Laary/Audrey Dekalu