Technical Skills Alone Not Enough for National Progress – Opoku-Agyemang Tells UENR Graduates

Vice President Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has urged graduates of the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR) to go beyond technical competence and embrace innovation grounded in purpose, integrity, and collaboration, stressing that skills without values and context cannot drive sustainable national development.

She made the call while addressing the 10th Congregation Ceremony of UENR held in Sunyani, where she challenged the graduating class to see innovation as a disciplined process that demands perseverance, ethical conduct, and the courage to experiment—even in the face of failure.

According to the Vice President, meaningful scientific and technological advancement must be informed by Ghana’s social and economic realities, producing solutions that are affordable, accessible, sustainable, and responsive to the everyday needs of citizens.

“Innovation must not be detached from the people it seeks to serve,” she stressed, adding that development-driven creativity should be practical and inclusive rather than abstract or elitist.

Collaboration Key to Impactful Innovation

Prof. Opoku-Agyemang highlighted collaboration as a critical ingredient for impactful innovation, noting that breakthroughs thrive when universities, industry, public institutions, and local communities work together instead of operating in silos.

She argued that universities must serve as hubs of problem-solving and national transformation, not isolated centres of academic excellence.

Call to Leaders and Investors

Beyond the graduates, the Vice President appealed to political leaders, private investors, and industry players to strengthen partnerships with tertiary institutions.

She noted that government policy alone cannot deliver development without strong institutions, strategic collaboration, and sustained investment in research and innovation.

Tributes and Commendations

Prof. Opoku-Agyemang paid tribute to UENR’s founding leadership and commended the University Council, management, faculty, and traditional authorities for their collective contributions to the university’s growth over the past decade.

She also praised lecturers and researchers for advancing knowledge and innovation, and expressed gratitude to parents and guardians for supporting their wards throughout their academic journeys.

Final Charge to Graduates

In her closing message, the Vice President urged the graduating class to let integrity guide their professional lives, remain disciplined and curious, and commit themselves to excellence.

She reminded them that Ghana’s future depends on their ideas, energy, and willingness to work 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, parents, guardians, and students.