The Minister for Education, Matthew Opoku Prempeh, has sworn in the Interim Council of the new University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD).
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The inauguration in itself was a historic occasion because it is the first university in this country with a mandate to provide higher education, disseminate knowledge related to development in environment and agro-business education, undertake research and foster relationships with persons outside the institutions.
The Minister noted that there was the need for the establishment of the new University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD), because of global issues on environmental protection and sustainability. “In Ghana, issues such as deforestation, coastal and marine resource degradation, the destruction of bio-diversity, climate variability, pollution, sanitation and illegal mining are all issues that continue to engage our attention”, hence the need for the establishment of the school.
He made the council aware of the work ahead of them, charging them to provide strategic leadership on environment and sustainability issues and grow as a centre of excellence, technology and research. “You, as the maiden council, have a heavy responsibility to put this university on the path to these great heights in its core mandate”, he said.
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The council was advised by the Minister to urgently put in place mechanisms and processes for the recruitment of staff for the university, and also aid in the smooth admission process for the 2020/21 academic year. He further urged them to work closely with the National Council for Tertiary Education in this regard and for the necessary guidance and support.
Noting the impact of COVID-19 on the educational system, Matthew Opoku Prempeh urged the council to take advantage of all opportunities and challenges presented by the pandemic to manage the university and become innovative.