The University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD), Somanya in the Eastern Region, has matriculated its sixth batch of undergraduate students and second batch of postgraduate students at a solemn ceremony held at the Auditorium, Multipurpose Building.
A total of 352 undergraduate students were matriculated, comprising 166 males and 186 females. In addition, 69 postgraduate students -60 males and 9 females – were formally admitted, bringing the total number of matriculants to 421 across the two cohorts.
The Registrar, Mrs. Mary Abena Agyepong, administered the Matriculation Oath and led the freshers to affirm the UESD Honour Code before members of the University community, including Management, faculty, staff, and their family and friends
Delivering an address on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Eric Nyarko-Sampson, the Acting Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Edward Wiafe Debrah, described Matriculation as a significant milestone that formally welcomes students into a community dedicated to learning, innovation, and service. He emphasised that UESD’s academic philosophy is grounded in addressing critical global and national challenges, including climate change, biodiversity loss, sustainable agriculture, and community development.
Prof. Wiafe Debrah noted that the University blends theory with practical learning through research, fieldwork, and community engagement to prepare students to become solution-oriented professionals. He urged the matriculants to focus on learning for impact rather than merely passing examinations, uphold discipline and ethical conduct, and cultivate skills beyond academic grades.
He further encouraged them to build meaningful networks, remain resilient in the face of challenges, and apply their knowledge to solve real-world problems. Assuring parents and guardians of the University’s commitment to providing a supportive and intellectually stimulating environment, Prof. Wiafe Debrah formally admitted the students on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor into the University community. He expressed confidence that they would grow into responsible leaders and innovators who would contribute meaningfully to national and global development.
The Chairman of the Governing Council, Hon. Seth Emmanuel Terkper, commended the freshers for earning admission into UESD and encouraged them to take pride in their achievement. He reiterated that UESD was established with a clear mandate to address pressing environmental and sustainability challenges, including climate change, biodiversity loss, food security, and social inequality. He urged students to position themselves as future leaders, innovators, researchers, and change agents aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
He assured the matriculants of the Council’s commitment to strengthening governance, enhancing academic quality, and providing strategic direction to ensure a conducive learning environment that supports both intellectual and personal development. He advised students to take their studies seriously, attend lectures diligently, build meaningful friendships, and participate in constructive activities that will shape their growth. Hon. Terkper encouraged them to be positive influences within the University community and beyond, expressing confidence in their academic success and contribution to the continued advancement of UESD.
The “Expectations of Freshmen and Women” was delivered by Mr. Raymond Agbemavor on behalf of the graduate students, and Mr. Brian Sackey and Miss Etornam Alorvor on behalf of the undergraduate students. In their joint statement, the students acknowledged that the academic journey demands dedication and hard work and pledged to give of their very best in pursuit of academic excellence.
They also appealed for increased government support, particularly in funding and infrastructure, including additional lecture halls, accommodation facilities, and sporting infrastructure, to ensure a fulfilling and enriching campus experience.
