The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD), Somanya, in the Eastern Region, has reiterated the institution’s urgent need for the release of seed money to propel infrastructural development and maintain high educational standards.
Speaking at the University’s 2nd Congregation, where 200 graduates were conferred with degrees, the Vice-Chancellor emphasized that the University requires additional facilities, including state-of-the-art laboratories, an environmental research centre, modern lecture delivery technologies, and enhanced recreational spaces for students. These facilities, he noted, are vital to producing well-rounded graduates equipped to champion environmental stewardship and societal transformation.
Miss Christabel Kekeli Acolor was announced as the Valedictorian of the 2025 graduating class with a CGPA of 3.90. She pursued a Bachelor of Science in Water Resources Development at the Department of Water Resources and Aquaculture Management, School of Sustainable Development.
Highlighting the University’s steady progress, Prof. Nyarko-Sampson stated that UESD now runs 30 accredited academic programmes, with an additional 20 undergoing accreditation. He further noted that the University’s student population has grown from 78 pioneering students in 2020/2021 to one thousand 375 students in the 2024/2025 academic year.
The Vice-Chancellor also revealed that UESD has been ranked 11th out of 86 Ghanaian Universities in the 2025 AD Scientific Index—a testament to the institution’s rising research visibility and scientific contributions. He expressed optimism that the University’s ranking would further improve in the coming years.
He outlined key initiatives by the University, including the Nkabom Collaborative with the Mastercard Foundation and McGill University, focusing on agro-waste management and aquaculture technology entrepreneurship. He also highlighted the establishment of the UESD Innovation and Incubation Hub, for which the University secured a competitive grant in 2024, as well as noteworthy achievements by students who placed 1st, 2nd, and 4th in national entrepreneurship competitions involving eleven start-up teams.
Turning to sports, Prof. Nyarko-Sampson announced that UESD continues to build national visibility and athletic capability, having participated in the 2025 GUSA Games and successfully hosted the 28th Inter-University Cross-Country and 2nd Minor GUSA Games in October. Hosting these events, he said, significantly enhanced the institution’s reputation and demonstrated its growing capacity, teamwork, and hospitality.
Speaking on the theme of the ceremony, “From Knowledge to Action,” the Vice-Chancellor noted that it reflects the University’s strategic direction and reinforces the idea that education is a powerful catalyst for change. “Our graduates leave here equipped with knowledge,” he said, “but it is through their actions that communities will be uplifted, ecosystems restored, and sustainable development advanced.”
To the new graduates, he urged them to translate the knowledge and skills acquired at UESD into meaningful impact and to uphold the University’s mission of environmental stewardship and societal transformation in all their endeavours.
The Chairman of the University Council, Hon. Seth Emmanuel Terkper, presiding officially for the first time since assuming office a few months ago, commended the University’s significant progress while calling for renewed support to address critical infrastructural challenges.
He noted that UESD, established by Act 898 (2015) as a catalyst for environmental sustainability and national development, has recorded remarkable growth. This year’s congregation coincides with the University’s 5th anniversary and attributed the achievement to the dedication of staff, supportive stakeholders, and meaningful collaborations.
Hon. Terkper acknowledged existing constraints, including stalled projects, inadequate facilities, limited accommodation, and essential logistical gaps. He announced that the University will soon benefit from two new 450-bed hostels, a major intervention expected to ease student accommodation challenges.
He congratulated the graduates on their perseverance and resilience, urging them to use their knowledge as a tool for service, innovation, and environmental sustainability. He also expressed appreciation to all stakeholders and reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to ensuring UESD’s continued growth, relevance, and adherence to the principles of transparency and accountability.
The fresh graduates were inducted into the UESD Alumni Association by its President, Mr. Sarfo Okyere Kore.
The Registrar, Mrs. Mary Abena Agyepong, served as the Moderator. The Chief Executive of the Tree Crops Development Authority, Dr. Andy Osei Okrah, was the Guest Speaker. Also in attendance were Prof. Jonathan Narh Ayertey, former UESD Council Chairman; the Special Guest of Honour’s representative, Dr. Kwasi Akyem Apea-Kubi, who stood in for the former Chief of Staff, Hon. Julius Debrah; the Eastern Regional Minister, Hon. (Mrs.) Akosua Adjei Awatey; and the former Minister of Education, Hon. Matthew Opoku-Prempeh.