The University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD) has held its 6th Matriculation Ceremony, marking a significant milestone in the academic journey of newly admitted students as they officially join the university’s community of scholars.
UESD, one of Ghana’s newest public universities, was established with a strategic focus on addressing both global and local environmental and agribusiness challenges through quality education, research, and community engagement.
The ceremony took place on 24th February 2026 at the University’s Multipurpose Auditorium. In his welcome address, the Chairman of the University Council, Hon. Seth Emmanuel Terkper, reminded fresh students that gaining admission into the university is not an end in itself, but rather the beginning of a higher calling and an academic journey they should be proud to undertake.
He emphasized that UESD is deliberate in its mission to equip students with the knowledge, skills, values, and mindset needed to confront pressing environmental and developmental challenges.
“We firmly believe that the education you will receive over the next four years will prepare you to address the environmental and development issues of our time. We are intentional about the outcomes we seek to achieve,” he stated.
Hon. Terkper noted that institutions like UESD are not merely relevant but essential in a world grappling with climate change, biodiversity loss, food insecurity, and social inequality. He reminded the students that as the sixth batch of a specialized institution with a clear vision and mission, they are being prepared to become leaders, innovators, researchers, policymakers, and change agents.
Referring to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), he urged the university community to position itself strategically for the next phase of global development planning beyond 2030.
The Council Chairman assured students that the University Council remains fully committed, in line with its mandate under Act 898 (2015), to strengthening governance structures, academic quality, and the strategic direction of the institution. He added that the Council continues to work closely with Management to ensure that students receive quality education in a conducive environment that supports both intellectual and personal growth.
He encouraged the freshers to take their studies seriously, attend lectures diligently, build meaningful friendships, and actively participate in constructive student activities. He congratulated them on their admission for the 2025/2026 academic year and wished them success in their academic pursuits.
Delivering remarks on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, the Acting Pro Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Edward Wiafe Debrah, described the matriculation ceremony as more than a routine academic exercise, calling it a defining moment in the lives of the students. He explained that matriculation signifies official admission into a community dedicated to learning, inquiry, innovation, and service to humanity.
According to Prof. Debrah, the University received 711 applications for various programmes. After a rigorous selection process based on merit and institutional capacity, 555 applicants were offered admission. Out of this number, 352 undergraduate students successfully enrolled, comprising 166 males and 186 females. Additionally, 73 graduate students were matriculated, made up of 61 males and 12 females.
He described these figures as a testament to the University’s steady growth, rising public confidence, and increasing recognition as Ghana’s premier institution dedicated to environment, sustainability, and development-oriented education.
Prof. Debrah further noted that matriculation represents a solemn academic covenant, calling on students to commit to three core principles: commitment to knowledge through the pursuit of truth and learning; commitment to integrity by upholding honesty and discipline; and commitment to society by applying their education to solve real-world problems.
He emphasized that in today’s world, degrees alone are no longer sufficient, stressing that competence, creativity, and character have become the true currency of success.
Prof. Debrah also assured parents and guardians that UESD remains dedicated to providing a safe, intellectually stimulating, and transformative learning environment for all students.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Nhyiraba Solomon Nartey
