The University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD), Somanya,Eastern Region has commenced a three-day orientation for freshmen and women admitted for the 2025/2026 Academic Year. It is being held at the Auditorium, Multipurpose Building,
The freshers are pursuing various Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) programmes, including: Sustainable Development, Architecture and Sustainable Design, Urban Planning and Development, Sustainable Construction Management and Technology, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene, Energy Sustainability, Environment and Public Health, Geography and Earth Sciences, Nature Conservation and Management, Mathematics, Chemistry and Biological Sciences, as well as Chemistry and Physics.
Activities on day one began with a guided campus tour led by officers from the Office of the Dean of Students’ Affairs and the Central Laboratory. The students were taken around key facilities to familiarise themselves with the campus environment, including the Library, Lecture Halls, Central Laboratory, Directorate of Information Technology Systems and Operations (DITSO), and the Registry.
Following the tour, the students assembled at the Auditorium where they were addressed by various officials. In her welcome address, the Dean of Students’ Affairs, Prof. (Mrs.) Daniella D. Sedegah, congratulated the students on their admission and assured them of her office’s commitment to providing a supportive and enriching student experience. She emphasised the importance of acquiring a Ghana Card to fully benefit from services such as the Students Loan Trust Fund (SLTF) and other University facilities. She also advised students to dress decently at all times.
The Chairman of the Advisory Board, Prof. Nuworza Kugbey, who also also the Head of the Department of Environment and Public Health, urged the students to be intentional about the choices they make during their stay at UESD, noting that such decisions have long-term implications. He encouraged them to make maximum use of the University’s academic resources for holistic development.
An interactive session was later held with the Counselling Unit, facilitated by an Assistant Registrar, Madam Zakaria Alimatu-Saadia. She briefed the freshers on the services offered by the Unit, including counselling on academic challenges, relationships, family matters, and financial difficulties. She encouraged them to seek assistance whenever necessary, assuring them of confidentiality and professionalism.
The Director of DITSO, Dr. Emmanuel Kitcher, also addressed the students on the University’s ICT systems and digital resources. He highlighted UESD’s significant investments in e-resources to enhance teaching, learning, and administrative efficiency, and encouraged students to take full advantage of the facilities available.
The highlight of the programme was a presentation by the Eastern Regional Coordinator of the Students Loan Trust Fund (SLTF), Mr. Maxwell Asare. He educated students on SLTF policies, with particular emphasis on the Student Loan Plus and No-Fees-Stress initiatives introduced by the Government. Mr. Asare outlined the procedures for accessing SLTF products and stressed the mandatory requirement of a Ghana Card. He further advised students to repay their loans promptly after securing employment to avoid the accumulation of interest.
The orientation also featured a health education session by a team from the Somanya Polyclinic, led by Mr. Michael Dzigbordi, HIV Data Officer. The team educated students on the prevalence and dangers of HIV within the University’s catchment area, emphasising the importance of prevention, early testing, and responsible health practices.
By: Eric Smart Anumah Edited by Barbara 15/01/2026