Following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in 2024 between the University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD) and the Derrick Samuels Leadership Institute, a U.S.-based youth leadership and mentorship organisation, a strategic meeting was held at the UESD campus to discuss the way forward. The MoU covers key areas such as programme development, infrastructure enhancement, and the organisation of seminars, conferences, and training programmes.
During the meeting, UESD Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Eric Nyarko-Sampson expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, particularly highlighting the Institute’s commitment to establishing scholarships for academically gifted but financially disadvantaged students.
Prof. Derrick Samuels, a Nigerian, shared his personal motivation for supporting education, recalling his firsthand experience with the challenges poverty imposes on academic pursuits. He emphasised that his life’s mission is to expand access to education through scholarships and reaffirmed his commitment to mobilizing relevant stakeholders to strengthen the partnership.
Later, Prof. Samuels addressed UESD students at a University-organised conference, where he encouraged them to cultivate meaningful relationships regardless of social or economic status. He stressed the profound impact of kindness and networking, citing how many individuals have achieved success through goodwill and strategic connections.
Also in attendance were Pro-Vice-Chancellor Prof. Edward Wiafe Debrah, Dean of the School of Sustainable Development Prof. Anthony Amoah, and other senior faculty and administrative members, all of whom contributed valuable insights to the discussion.