The School of Engineering (SOE) of the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR), Sunyani has marked the 2021 World Engineering Day in an eventful ceremony under the theme “Engineering for a Healthy Planet-Celebrating the UNESCO Engineering Report” at the University Auditorium on Thursday, March 4, 2021.
The event brought together Engineers and some stakeholders in the academia and industry depicting the recognition of university-industry collaboration at the University of Energy and Natural Resources.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Elvis Asare-Bediako chaired the ceremony. In his opening remarks, the VC welcomed participants to UENR and further encouraged them to appreciate the growing campus. He indicated that UENR has about 25 professional Engineers which is a positive sign of UENR’s contribution to the development of the nation.
He cheerfully stated that students of the University are of a quality that industries and organisations are looking for. He appreciated the School of Engineering for such a quality training.
Prof. Asare-Bediako further gave an assurance that the University was in a capacity to train students in engineering in order to support the government’s agenda of nation-building.
In brief remarks, Ing. Dr. Amos Kabo-bah, representing the Dean of the School of Engineering, stressed the importance of engineering especially in the era of the pandemic. He stated that climate, mobility and energy challenges are affecting the nation in this pandemic; therefore, it is the desire of the School of Engineering to build the capacity of students to be innovative. He reiterated that the Faculty and students are using their brains to be innovative to put up strategic solutions that will help mother Ghana.
Ing. Dr. Kabo-bah on that note emphasised that the School of Engineering was ready to support the national agenda of accelerating and ensuring the production of made-in Ghana goods.
The Guest of Honour, Ing. Dr. Samual Wiafe, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology, STU, representing the Vice-Chancellor extended his warm greetings and indicated his enthusiasm to deliver the keynote address.
He mentioned that the World Engineering Day is held to celebrate the accomplishments and contributions of engineers across the globe who strive to improve the lives of people around them and use creativity, Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
In his submission, he disclosed that engineering, science and technology are increasingly surpassing other resources as the main driver of economic growth and development. “It is for this reason engineering education at all level has attracted the attention of the government and a chunk of its yearly budgetary allocation is used in retooling science, engineering and technology education in Ghana “he stated.
Ing. Dr. Wiafe, intimated that engineers have responsibilities in advancing biomedicine, roads and utility networks and food. He again indicated that working-based learning and university/vocation applications were routes into an engineering career.
He mentioned that government needs to encourage private companies to take on projects that can lead to economic development by providing ground rules and incentives for good performance.
Concluding, Ing. Dr. Samuel Wiafe urged the lecturers to engage students at a high level with real-world application and also commit to continual academic improvement.
In a brief address, the GhIE UENR Chapter President, Master Joel Korankye indicated that the celebration of such an event serves as an opportunity for students in their growing stage to acquaint themselves with industry players with new trends and also serve as an eye-opener in their training period to envision more ideas and innovation that bridge the socio-economic gaps across the globe.
He further mentioned that sustainable development for water, energy, and sustainable infrastructure and innovation, is the main area’s engineers are needed most.
The Human Resource representative from Mantrac Ghana Limited, Mr. Stephen Fiifi Arhinful in his presentation introduced to participants “Technician for Africa” which is a free online learning platform for technicians who are seeking to become service engineers in the future. He urged engineers and laypeople who are interested to be service engineers to enroll on the “Technician for Africa” to gain experience and also to acquire a globally recognised certificate for their professional progress.
During the eventful ceremony, 6 staff and 3 students of the School of Engineering who have distinguished themselves in the area of innovation were acknowledged and awarded.
Present at the ceremony were the Ag. Pro Vice-Chancellor, Registrar, Director of Finance, Director of Works and Physical Development, Senior members and Faculty members of the School of Engineering.