The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD) in Somanya, Eastern Region, Prof. Eric Nyarko-Sampson, has applauded the group of students who took part in the ESICD Hubs Innovation Grants Final Pitch Competition in Winneba on September 19 and clinched the top two spots.
This was when the coordinator of the UESD Hub, Dr. Kwaku Adu, accompanied by the mentor of the teams Dr. Rahmat Quaigrane Duker and the contestants, called on him in his office to formally present the awards to him and share their success story.
Competing against eleven start-up groups from four Universities; UESD, Cape Coast Technical University, C.K. Tedam University of Technology and Applied Sciences, and the University of Education, Winneba. UESD fielded three teams where; Sankofa Industries Ghana and MED Aquafeeds swept the first and second positions respectively, while Nsoroma Agrotech took the fifth spot.
Prof. Nyarko-Sampson congratulated the students for bringing honour to the University, describing the feat as the start of greater accomplishments. He revealed that UESD is charting a bold path in agro-waste management and noted that the students’ ideas will play a crucial role in this effort. “You are our first incubators for this project,” he told them, urging them to sustain their innovative drive and continue to work closely with their mentors.
He further commended the mentors and supporting staff for their commitment and guidance, stressing that their dedication has proven that innovation thrives on teamwork. He also advised the students to remain focused on their studies, particularly those writing examinations and those preparing for project defences.
The Vice-Chancellor spoke of future opportunities, indicating that the University is considering sponsorships for postgraduate studies. “If our own students can take up these Masters and PhD positions, we’ll be very happy. Go, do the study, come back, and help us train more people,” he urged them.
In his remarks, Dr. Adu briefed the Vice-Chancellor on the competition and the success of the student teams. He also appealed to Management to support the Hub with a dedicated and well-furnished office space, similar to the facilities available to their counterparts in other Universities.