The UENR Chapter of Graduate Students Association of Ghana (GRASAG) has held a Research and Entrepreneurship Seminar for Postgraduate Students. The Seminar held at the University Auditorium formed part of the activities to celebrate this year’s GRASAG Week. The theme for the seminar was “Improving the National and International Visibility of the University of Energy and Natural Resources; The Role of Graduate Students’ Research.”
The Dean of the School of Graduate Studies, Prof. John Kuwornu giving the opening remarks applauded GRASAG for their efforts to improve its members’ knowledge in research. He added that research activities by Students and Staff in UENR have impacted society and the country as well as given the University international recognition. Again, Prof. Kuwornu disclosed that the UENR is ranked 10th out of 45 Universities in Ghana recently. This, he said, has been an improvement on the previous years ranking due to research activities in the Univesity. He charged the students to continue to engage in research projects to help make UENR a research-oriented institution globally.
The President of GRASAG-UENR, Mr. Eric Yaw Amponsah in his address explained that the seminar is a means of enhancing graduate education in the University. He further outlined that the association is embarking on more activities to build the capacity of students as well as their well-being. He announced a programme dubbed: the Public Must Know” to be aired on the University’s campus radio, Greena FM. This talk show, according to the president, will offer Graduate Students in UENR to share their experience in research as well as showcase the postgraduate academic programmes offered at the various schools in the University. Mr. Amponsah further mentioned that plans are far advanced to build an ultra-modern office in collaboration with SRC and NUGS-UENR Chapter. He was hopeful that UENR will experience an increase in Graduate student intake and production of skilled graduates from the University.
Sharing his experience in higher degree research, one of the resource persons who doubled as a Senior Assistant Registrar, Academic and Students Affairs Division-UENR, Mr. George Kwadwo Anane, advised the participants to be focused, patient, resilient and hardworking. He noted that attending research seminars and conference forms part of international standards expected of postgraduate students. Additionally, Mr. Anane indicated that graduate studies involve technical, social, family and academic knowledge. He further said pursuing PhD allows candidates to learn a lot from the field of study that would add to their knowledge and wisdom “A higher degree prepares you to be a holistic person in general.” he added.
Other activities of the week-long celebration included a trip to Buabeng Fiama Monkey Sanctuary and Kintampo waterfalls in the Bono East Region; Sports activities; blood donation exercise; and a dinner and awards night held at Tyco City Hotel.
