Dr. Sheila Addo, Deputy Chief Executive of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), delivered a keynote address at the 10th Congregation of the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR) on Saturday, December 13, 2025, challenging the graduating class of 2025 to embrace excellence, innovation, and sustainability as they transition into their professional careers.
Dr. Addo spoke on behalf of the Executive Secretary of the Energy Commission during the afternoon session of the ceremony, under the theme, “Embracing Excellence in Innovation for an Impactful Sustainable Future: The Technologian Perspective.” She congratulated the graduates for their perseverance and dedication, noting that their accomplishments reflect early mornings, long nights, challenging projects, and moments of self-doubt overcome through determination and hard work.
In her address, Dr. Addo emphasized the importance of systems thinking in addressing national challenges, highlighting that UENR students in energy, science, engineering, technology, and natural resources are uniquely equipped to analyze processes, identify failures, and implement improvements. Drawing parallels between renewable energy and national sustainability, she underscored that progress and excellence require deliberate planning, ethical action, and innovative solutions.
Sharing insights from her professional journey, Dr. Addo encouraged the graduates to embrace continuous learning, patience, and resilience, explaining that real-world success is measured by results, reliability, and integrity rather than effort alone. She highlighted that innovation involves improving existing systems to work effectively in practical contexts, while excellence involves responsibility, diligence, and ethical conduct in all undertakings.
Dr. Addo reminded the graduating class that sustained success and meaningful impact come when innovation, excellence, hard work, and values are combined. She urged them to use their knowledge, skills, and integrity to strengthen national systems, contribute to sustainable development, and drive progress in Ghana’s energy, science, and technology sectors.
The speech was warmly received by graduates, faculty, and guests, reinforcing UENR’s commitment to nurturing professionals equipped to address national and global challenges while promoting sustainable development and ethical leadership.
