The University of Environment and Sustainable Development has today, 5th August 2020 been commissioned by the President, Nana Akufo-Addo in Somanya in the Eastern Region.
At a ceremony held today, the President said that, the project is another example of the nation’s commitment to providing quality education and skills training for the people of Ghana.
Addressing the event, he said, the university will provide higher education and help in the attainment of the UN’s sustainable development goals.
“Indeed, this is the first university in the country with the mandate to provide higher education, research and disseminate knowledge on matters of sustainable development, the protection of the environment, and a focus on developing agri-business.
“At a time when the world’s attention is focused on the attainment of the seventeen (17) United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, for which I currently serve as co-Chair of the Eminent Group of Advocates, the establishment of UESD could not have come at a more opportune moment in our nation’s history”.
He then again said he was hopeful the university
“Will provide strategic leadership on environmental and sustainability issues, and grow quickly to become a centre of excellence in teaching and research in this very important niche area, not only in the country, but also on the continent and beyond”.
He assured the people present that government will do all it can to help the university discharge its mandate and grow it as well.
The president then noted that the stage is now set for the rollout of Phase Two of the University as this phase is the first. He then revealed that the project was funded through the Italian Export Credit Agency, SACE, the German bank and the Deutsche Bank.
The Interim Council is expected to begin recruitment of its first batch of undergraduate students for the 2020/2021 academic year and also recruit an initial staff of three hundred.
Thanking the contractor for the project, Messrs Contracta Costruzioni, the President was confident that the next phase of the project will be carried out on time and on budget, so the University can have the full complement of facilities to help it maximise its potential to deliver quality teaching and learning, as well as cutting-edge research.
He finally said,
“Enhancing our nation’s human resource is key to the development and transformation of our nation. An education that will produce dedicated, determined and disciplined graduates, who will be eager and willing to participate in developing our beloved Ghana, and to become her patriotic future citizens, remains our objective.”
Phase One and Two Of UESD
The first phase of the of the University has seen the commissioning of the following facilities; lecture Hall for School of Natural and Environmental Science; multi-purpose auditorium for School of Natural and Environmental Science; laboratory building for School of Agriculture and Agro-Entrepreneurship Development; faculty offices (administration block) for School of Agriculture and Agro-Entrepreneurship Development; Vice Chancellor’s residency; Pro-Vice Chancellors’ residency; and key officers’ residencies.
The second phase of the University will also see the provision of these facilities; lecture halls; main library; laboratory; football pitch; handball/basketball court; badminton court; tennis court; and a tartan track.
