The newly constituted Governing Council of the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR) has been charged with prioritising institutional discipline and academic excellence as it begins its mandate.
At the official inauguration of the 11-member Council in Accra, Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu emphasised the critical role the body plays in steering the university toward effective governance, legal clarity, and infrastructural development.
Mr. Iddrisu particularly urged the Council to resolve lingering legal ambiguities surrounding the office of the Pro-Vice Chancellor, stressing that stable and lawful leadership structures are vital to creating a conducive academic environment.
“Your work must reflect diligence, commitment, and discipline. As custodians of governance, you are expected to entrench integrity while positioning UENR to serve Bono, Ahafo, and Ghana as a whole,” the Minister said.
He revealed ongoing government efforts—primarily through the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund)—to support university infrastructure, including a reviewed proposal for a 200 million-euro facility aimed at transforming campuses like UENR.
In a major boost for student accommodation, Mr. Iddrisu also disclosed that the Chief Executive Officer of SIC Life is exploring the construction of hostels for UENR and KNUST under the company’s corporate social responsibility agenda.
“While both universities are deserving, I believe UENR should be the first recipient due to its relatively limited infrastructure. It will align with the President’s equitable development vision,” he stated.
The Minister further announced that UENR is one of four public universities selected to benefit from a GHS10 million seed fund from GETFund to enhance ongoing infrastructural projects.
Addressing broader education access, Mr. Iddrisu reiterated President John Mahama’s commitment to establishing satellite campuses across the region to decentralise quality tertiary education.
Meanwhile, the Council, chaired by Oseadeyo Dr. Agyemang Badu II, Paramount Chief of the Dormaa Traditional Area, has pledged swift attention to a petition concerning the university’s management, which the Minister said he would refer to the newly installed body for advice and resolution.
Dr. Agyemang Badu II expressed gratitude for the appointment, vowing that the Council would uphold transparency, accountability, and academic progress.
On the same day, Minister Iddrisu also inaugurated governing councils for Bolgatanga Technical University, Koforidua Technical University, and the University for Environmental and Sustainable Development, as part of a broader effort to strengthen governance across public tertiary institutions.
