Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has challenged graduates of the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR) in Sunyani to become agents of transformative change by pursuing innovation anchored in purpose, integrity, and collaboration.

Speaking at the university’s 10th congregation ceremony, the Vice President noted that technical competence alone is insufficient for national development without a clear sense of purpose and ethical grounding.

“Experimentation and failure are integral to progress,” Professor Opoku-Agyemang, a former University Vice Chancellor and Minister for Education, told the gathering.

“What matters most is the discipline and perseverance with which we pursue scientific and technological advancement.”

The Vice President stressed the need for locally relevant solutions, calling on graduates to develop technologies that are “tailored to Ghana’s realities, are affordable, accessible, sustainable, and capable of addressing everyday challenges.”

She highlighted collaboration as essential to meaningful innovation, urging partnerships across academic disciplines, institutions, industries, and communities. She also called for stronger engagement between the university and key stakeholders, including political leaders, private investors, and industry partners.

“While government remains committed to providing an enabling policy environment, policies alone cannot yield the desired outcomes,” she noted. “Strong institutional systems, strategic partnerships, and sustained investment are critical to national development.”

The Vice President paid tribute to UENR’s founding leadership and acknowledged the collective contributions of academic staff, administrators, and https://dafm.stamforduniversity.edu.bd/ traditional authorities in sustaining the institution’s growth.

She commended faculty members and researchers for their commitment to knowledge creation and expressed gratitude to parents and guardians for their sacrifices in supporting their wards’ education.

Professor Opoku-Agyemang also urged graduates to let integrity guide their professional journeys.

“Remain grounded in discipline, curiosity, and excellence,” she said. “Ghana’s progress depends on your ideas, energy, and commitment to working together for the common good.”

The ceremony was attended by the Paramount Chief of the Dormaa Traditional Area and Chairman of the University Council, Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyeman Badu II; members of the Governing Council; university management; faculty; and family members of graduates.