Sunyani: Professor Elvis Asare-Bediako, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR), has praised the government for granting financial clearance to restart and complete several stalled infrastructure projects at the university.
According to Ghana News Agency, the Vice-Chancellor highlighted that the completion of the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) library, as well as the main entrance and lecture block at the Dormaa Campus, would significantly enhance the university's academic capabilities. Prof Asare-Bediako made these remarks during an interview on the sidelines of a forum organized by the Dean of Students' office and the Students' Representative Council (SRC) in Sunyani.
The forum provided a platform for student leadership groups, including departmental and school presidents, SRC executives, and local representatives of the National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS), to engage directly with the university's management. Prof Asare-Bediako emphasized the necessity of these academic facilities, particularly the library, lecture theatre, and offices, for improving teaching and learning at the institution.
He also urged the government to extend financial clearance to complete the construction of an ICT facility, laboratory, and lecture theatre complex at the Dormaa Campus to further boost the university's infrastructure development. Prof Asare-Bediako expressed concern over the deteriorating condition of access roads at the main campus, noting that a contract for road reshaping had been terminated. He called on the government to expedite action to resume work on the road project to enhance accessibility and safety.
Prof Asare-Bediako underscored the importance of student leadership engaging with university authorities, commending the SRC and NUGS for their cooperative efforts in the institution's development. He remarked that understanding management challenges helps student leaders support the university's development agenda, while student bodies gain an appreciation for the management's efforts to address pressing concerns.
Mr. Abdulai Adjei Zakaria, the SRC President of UENR, stated that the forum was timely and significant, offering student leaders direct access to management to discuss student challenges and propose practical solutions.