The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR) says the level of indiscipline, including lateness and laziness, is affecting the development of the nation.

Prof. Elvis Asare-Bediako also said such negative attitudes are affecting the academic success of students and the expected outcomes in the World of work.

Speaking to Joy News at the 10th matriculation of UENR, Prof Asare-Bediako bemoaned the unacceptable level of indiscipline, which he said if not checked would hinder the country's expected growth.

He, therefore, advocates for the inculcation of civic responsibilities, intending to help address the growing national canker, starting from the basic schools through to the tertiary institutions.

“We are always quick to condemn the politicians, but what we are doing. The negative attitude which is affecting the development of the nation, we don’t look at that”, he stressed.

He noted that students can only achieve academic excellence when they are disciplined with their timetable and studies.

“And when you acquire these qualities, it also impacts positively in the world of work”.

“My prescription is that we must start from the basic to the primary, through the junior high and senior high schools, and then the tertiary institutions. We must have a special curriculum that addresses the civic responsibility of individuals”, Prof Asare-Bediako said.

He further said parents also have crucial roles to play at home to imbibe discipline into their children while measures are taken to check indiscipline at schools and workplaces.

UENR offered admissions to 4,652 students into undergraduate programs for the 2022 academic year, but only 2,850 students enrolled.

257 postgraduate students also enrolled for the academic year out of 324 offered. The total enrolled fresh students are thus 3,107.

In his matriculation address, the VC, Prof Elvis Asare-Bediako, noted that the unpredictable nature of the world, such as the Covid-19 pandemic, requires all to be on guard and resilient in the face of challenging circumstances.

“Be strong and keep your eyes focused on the goal and work hard towards it”, he said and urged the fresh students to acquire the necessary communicative, leadership, and critical thinking skills needed to survive and impact the challenging world.

He reminded them that besides acquiring academic knowledge, they are also to get ready as polished adults for themselves, the nation, and the world.

The VC further stated, “Education is what remains after one has forgotten what one has learned in school”, as captured by Albert Einstein, hence urging them to be mindful of their decisions and actions since they will determine their future.

The Student Representative Council President, Kingsford Amankonah Diawuo, on his part, congratulated the matriculants and challenged them to work hard to achieve their expectations while honoring the tenets of the Matriculation Oath taken and being guided by the rules and regulations in the university.

He said as students they would collaborate with the University’s management to champion the programs and activities to mark the 10th Anniversary Celebration on the theme, "A decade of Excellence in Energy and Natural Resources Education”.