Vice President Advocates for Stronger Industry-Academia Ties to Boost Sustainable Development

Sunyani: The Vice President, Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, has called on industry leaders to intensify their engagement with academic institutions, invest in research, and support innovation hubs to drive sustainable development in the country. She emphasized the critical role of collaboration between the private sector and academia in harnessing the country's human capital and technological potential. According to Ghana News Agency, the Vice President made the call while addressing the 10th graduation ceremony of the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR) in Sunyani. The event, themed 'Embracing Excellence in Innovation for an Impactful Sustainable Future: The Technologian Perspective,' saw a total of 2,336 graduates conferred with certificates for the 2024/25 academic year. The graduating class included 16 Doctor of Philosophy recipients, more than 18 Master's degree holders, 1,867 Bachelor of Science degree recipients, and 235 diploma awardees. Prof. Opoku-Agyemang highlighted the theme 's emphasis on combining technical skills with ethical responsibility to guide creativity with humility. She explained that a sustainable future requires technologies designed for local realities, which are affordable, resilient, sustainable, and appropriate for the communities. This includes energy systems that expand access while protecting the environment, and resource management that balances economic growth with ecological stewardship. The Vice President stressed that relevant education has the power to transform societies and advocated for investment in knowledge creation, energy systems, natural resource management, and environmentally conscious businesses. She advised the graduates to use their skills to innovate responsibly and support others, emphasizing the importance of creating partnerships that broaden the scope of solutions, noting that the country needs their ideas, energy, and dedication. Prof. Opoku-Agyemang urged the graduates to uphold integrity, courage, and resilience in the face of c hallenges, emphasizing the importance of discipline, determination, and service in achieving long-term impact.