Vice President Calls for Industry and Academia to Collaborate on Sustainability

Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has challenged industry leaders to deepen collaborations with universities, invest in research and development, and bolster innovation hubs to accelerate sustainable development across Ghana.

Speaking at the 10th graduation ceremony of the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR) in Sunyani on Saturday, Professor Opoku-Agyemang underscored the vital link between the private sector and academia in unlocking the nation’s human and technological potential. The event was themed “Embracing Excellence in Innovation for an Impactful Sustainable Future: The Technologian Perspective.”

A total of 2,336 students graduated, receiving certificates for the 2024/25 academic year. The cohort comprised 16 doctoral degree recipients, over 18 Masters degree holders, 1,867 Bachelor of Science graduates, and 235 diploma awardees.

The Vice President noted the importance of blending technical expertise with ethical considerations, emphasizing that innovations should be driven by humility. “The theme highlights the necessity of merging technical proficiency with a strong sense of ethical responsibility, guiding our creativity with humility,” she explained.

She further elaborated that a truly sustainable future requires technology tailored to Ghana’s specific needs – solutions that are both affordable and resilient. This, she said, includes energy systems that broaden access while safeguarding the environment, alongside responsible resource management balancing economic growth with ecological preservation.

“Relevant education possesses the transformative power to uplift societies. We must invest in fostering knowledge creation, nurturing skilled energy systems professionals, developing capable natural resource managers, and supporting environmentally conscious businesses,” Professor Opoku-Agyemang stated.

Addressing the graduating class directly, she urged them to apply their skills responsibly and to prioritize partnership in tackling the challenges ahead. “The country needs your ideas, your energy, and your dedication,” she added.

Professor Opoku-Agyemang also stressed the importance of integrity, courage, and resilience, encouraging the graduates to embrace discipline, determination, and a commitment to service as they pursue long-term impact. “Uphold integrity, courage and resilience and remember the importance of discipline, determination and service,” she concluded.

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