The University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD), Somanya in the Eastern Region has attained the full cycle of students for its four Levels i.e. 100, 200, 300, and 400. The cycle was complete at its 4th matriculation on 23rd February, 2024 at a solemn ceremony to integrate the freshers into the UESD community. It was held at the Auditorium, Multipurpose Building, and was observed by members of Management, staff, and some parents.
The three hundred and thirty (330) freshers, made up of one hundred and sixty-six males (166) and one hundred and sixty-four (164) females were admitted into the two Schools currently running; School of Sustainable Development (SSD).The Programmes are: B.Sc. Sustainable Development, B.Sc. Energy Sustainability, B.Sc. Water Resources Development, B.Sc. Energy and Resource Economics, B.Sc. Environmental Economics and Policy, B.Sc. Aquaculture Management, B.Sc. Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), B.Sc. Urban Planning and Development and B.Sc. Sustainable Construction Management and Technology.
School of Natural and Environmental Sciences (SNES). The Programmes are: BSc. Chemistry and Biological Science, BSc. Chemistry and Physics, BSc. Chemistry and Mathematical Science, BSc. Mathematics, BSc. Biological and Mathematical Sciences, BSc. Physics and Mathematical Sciences, BSc. Environment and Public Health, BSc. Environmental and Sustainability Science, BSc. Natre Conservation and Management, BSc. Environmental Management and BSc. Geography and Earth Science.
They swore the Matriculation Oath and Honour Code as Junior Members of the University administered by the Registrar, Mr. Mary Abena Agyepong.
She challenged them to view being admitted to UESD as a noble calling that demands academic diligence and perseverance to contribute to the solution-giving process for society’s environmental issues.
In an address, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Eric Nyarko-Sampson congratulated the students on their matriculation and called on them to dress decently and uphold the oaths they have sworn. He urged them to make use of the facilities available to enhance their learning experience, among them is Use of Technology which is the Thematic Thrust Two (2) of the university’s Five (5) Year Strategic Plan. He said, ”I encourage you to use technology with values and compassion, knowing that there are consequences.”
The Vice-Chancellor informed the junior members that being a student of UESD this year is crucial because the African Union Commission has unveiled a ‘’bold’’ High Education Plan that calls for African universities to graduate 100 thousand Ph.D. students in the next ten years, with 20% of those graduates specialising in STEM fields to advance the continent’s agenda. They must work to be a part of this success and help Africa become a prominent part of the global education landscape.
Adding that, they should keep their attention on their studies and strive to don the two gowns that are required of all students: the first for matriculation and the second for graduation, he continued.
The UESD Governing Council Chairman, Prof. Jonathan Narh Ayertey, acknowledged in his remarks the efforts being made by the University to assist in addressing environmental challenges. He also mentioned the difficult decisions that must be made and UESD’s decision to take the lead in advancing the goal of a net-zero emission in Ghana and beyond. He urged the matriculants to support the cause of environmental sustainability and work towards achieving net-zero emissions by becoming environmental ambassadors.
Justice of the High Court, Somanya, His Lordship, Fedrick Arnold Wekem K. Nawurah graced the occasion. He advised the matriculants to open themselves to a holistic university experience that transcends academic work.
He advise them to be cautious of peer pressure and to exercise caution in anything they do for the sake of having fun, as they are criminally liable for any criminal offense as long as they are older than 12 years old.
