The University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD)’s ambitious growth drive is being severely hampered by a critical infrastructure crisis.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Eric Nyarko-Sampson, revealed this at the University’s 5th Anniversary Durbar held on campus under the theme, “Sustainable Steps Towards Securing Our Environment: Five Years of Achievements, Challenges and Progress.”
At the heart of the challenge is the demobilisation of the contractor, Messrs Contracta Costruzioni Italia SRL, from the Phase II site due to non-payment. Prof. Nyarko-Sampson warned that the suspension of construction is significantly affecting student intake and admissions because of inadequate lecture facilities.
The halt in construction has delayed the completion of critical infrastructure, including an additional faculty building, a laboratory block, a multipurpose sports complex, the two main entrances to the university, and a 2-kilometre asphalted campus road network.
UESD, which began operations in 2021 with 98 students, now has a total student population of 1,446.
The University’s pioneering batch graduated in 2024, equipped with relevant skill sets and deployed into communities to help address pressing national challenges, including illegal mining.
Despite this achievement in producing skilled, job-ready graduates, the University continues to grapple with severe infrastructural deficits.
Prof. Nyarko-Sampson noted that the five-year-old institution faces numerous challenges that continue to impede the fulfilment of its mandate. These include inadequate office space, insufficient furniture for both staff and students, and the absence of proper documentation securing the University’s lands.
By: Kofi Adjei | Metrotvonline.com | Ghana
