Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has urged graduates of the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR) to pursue innovation anchored in purpose, integrity, and collaboration, stressing that technical skill alone is not enough to drive national development.
She made the call at UENR’s 10th Congregation Ceremony held in Sunyani, where she joined traditional leaders, university authorities, parents, and students to celebrate a decade of the institution’s contribution to higher education in Ghana.
Delivering her address, Professor Opoku-Agyemang emphasised that while technical competence is essential, it must be guided by a deeper sense of purpose to be truly transformative. “Technical skill is important but not sufficient; innovation must be guided by purpose,” she stated.
She encouraged graduates and researchers to approach their work with discipline and perseverance, especially when confronted with failure. According to her, setbacks are an inevitable part of scientific inquiry and innovation, and must be met with resilience rather than discouragement.
She further challenged the academic community to ensure that technology and innovation respond directly to Ghana’s realities. “We need to design technology for our realities,” she said, explaining that innovation should be affordable, accessible, and sustainable.
In her view, research and experimentation should not remain abstract exercises but should translate into practical solutions that improve everyday life for ordinary people. She noted that projects with real impact often thrive where there is collaboration across disciplines, institutions, and communities.
The Vice President paid tribute to the individuals and institutions that laid the foundation of UENR and sustained its growth over the past decade. She acknowledged the collective effort of academic staff, administrators, and traditional authorities whose support has enabled the university to expand its programmes and research output.
She also commended faculty members and researchers for their dedication to teaching, mentorship, and knowledge creation, describing their work as central to the university’s mission.
Professor Opoku-Agyemang expressed gratitude to parents and guardians for the sacrifices they have made to support their wards through higher education. She noted that behind every graduate is a network of family support that often goes unrecognised but remains vital to academic success.
The Vice President described the congregation as a shared achievement, reflecting the commitment of families, educators, and students alike.
Strengthening Stakeholder Engagement
Beyond the university community, she called on national leaders, private investors, and industry players to strengthen their engagement with UENR. While reaffirming government’s role in creating an enabling policy environment, she cautioned that policy alone cannot deliver the outcomes Ghana seeks.
“While Government will continue to create enabling policies, policy alone cannot deliver results,” she said. According to her, strong systems, strategic partnerships, and sustained investment are necessary to bridge the gap between academic research and real-world application.
She highlighted the importance of closer collaboration between universities and industry, particularly in sectors such as energy, natural resources, and technology, where innovation can directly support economic growth and environmental sustainability.
Such partnerships, she noted, can help translate academic research into scalable solutions while also creating opportunities for graduates to apply their skills productively.
In her closing remarks, the Vice President addressed the graduating class directly, charging them to let integrity guide their professional and personal lives. She urged them to remain grounded in the values that brought them through their academic journey, especially when they encounter challenges ahead.
“When challenges arise, they must return to the fundamentals that brought them here: discipline, curiosity, and a commitment to excellence”.
Vice President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang
Professor Opoku-Agyemang reminded the graduates that Ghana stands at a critical moment in its development and needs their ideas, energy, and willingness to work together.
She encouraged them to see themselves not just as degree holders, but as problem-solvers with a responsibility to contribute to national progress. With those words, she congratulated the Class of 2025, expressing confidence in their potential to make meaningful contributions to society.
The Vice President attended the ceremony in the company of the Paramount Chief of the Dormaa Traditional Area and Chairman of the University Council, Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyeman Badu II, as well as members of the University’s Governing Council, management, and faculty.
The event marked an important milestone for UENR, which was established to provide specialised education and research in energy, natural resources, and related fields critical to Ghana’s development agenda.
The 10th Congregation Ceremony of UENR thus served not only as a celebration of academic achievement, but also as a platform for a broader national conversation on purposeful innovation, integrity, and the role of higher education in shaping Ghana’s future.
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