The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD), Prof. Eric Nyarko-Sampson, has announced that six (6) additional programmes will soon be accredited, increasing the University’s current portfolio from twenty-five (25) to thirty-one (31) programmes. This announcement was made during a three-day orientation held at the Auditorium of the Multi-Purpose Building, where Prof. Nyarko-Sampson addressed Level 100 students.
The orientation was designed to help students transition smoothly into campus life by providing them with essential information for their journey at the University.
Prof. Nyarko-Sampson emphasised that all of UESD’s existing twenty-five (25) academic programmes are fully accredited by the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC).
The freshers, who form the fifth batch of students, have been admitted to the School of Sustainable Development to pursue programmes such as: BSc. Sustainable Development, BSc. Energy and Resources Economics, BSc. Energy Sustainability, BSc. Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WaSH), BSc. Architecture and Sustainable Development, BSc. Sustainable Construction Management, BSc. Urban Planning and Development, BSc. Environmental Economics and Policy, BSc. Aquaculture Management, BSc. Water Resource Management.
Students enrolled in the School of Natural and Environmental Sciences (SNES) will pursue programmes such as: BSc. Biological and Mathematical Sciences, BSc. Chemistry and Biological Sciences, BSc. Chemistry and Mathematical Sciences, BSc. Chemistry and Physics, BSc. Environment and Public Health, BSc. Environmental Management, BSc. Environmental and Sustainability Science, BSc. Geography and Earth Science, BSc. Mathematics, BSc. Nature Conservation Management, BSc. Physics and Biological Sciences and BSc. Physics and Mathematical Sciences.
Prof. Nyarko-Sampson reminded students that, like all Universities, UESD is governed by rules and regulations, and there are consequences for undesirable or non-compliant behaviour. However, he clarified that these rules are not intended to instill fear but to guide students toward responsible living. He emphasised that University authorities act in loco parentis—serving as guardians in place of the students’ parents—and always have their best interests at heart.
He encouraged students to familiarise themselves with the UESD Strategic Plan, which outlines the University’s goals for its first five years of operation. He highlighted Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7, which aims to create a positive and memorable experience for students. Additionally, the Vice-Chancellor advised students to embrace the University’s core values of Honesty, Opportunity, Perseverance, and Enterprise (HOPE), noting that these pillars will guide them to become agents of change in society.
Prof. Nyarko-Sampson also referenced the 2020 Sentinel Report from the Ministry of Health, which offers valuable insights into health distribution in Ghana. He urged students to review the report and understand the health dynamics of their respective districts.
The Registrar, Mrs. Mary Abena Agyepong, provided an overview of UESD’s administrative structure, academic regulations, and available facilities. She highlighted the state-of-the-art resources accessible to students and reaffirmed that UESD is a forward-thinking institution. She elaborated on the core values, explaining that students are expected to: demonstrate honesty in their interactions, seize opportunities, even when disguised as challenges, persevere through difficulties, and be enterprising by taking initiative and being resourceful.
The Student Representative Council (SRC) President, Miss Jennifer Teiko Larbi, congratulated the students on the start of their academic journey at UESD. She underscored that the SRC exists to ensure every student has a voice and receives the support needed to succeed.
Miss Larbi reminded the students that they are now part of a vibrant community committed to safeguarding the environment and improving the world. She encouraged them to uphold the core values and actively participate in both academic and extracurricular activities.
The orientation featured presentations from various departments and directorates, including: the Dean of Students Affairs, Dr. (Mrs.) Daniella Delali Sedegah, Directorate of Finance by Mr. Baffour Awuah Kwabi, Directorate of Information Technology and Systems Operation (DITSO) by Dr. Emmanuel Kitcher, the Directorate of Physical Development and Estate Management (DPDEM) by Surveyor Isaac Abbam. On the first day of orientation, students also participated in a campus tour.