The extended Management Members of UENR consisting of Heads, Sectional Heads, Deans and Directors have attended a 3-day Retreat organized by the Centre for Professional Development (CePDEV) in collaboration with the Human Resources Division (HRD).
The Management Members from Tuesday, February 21 to 23, 2023, at the Shiela’s Executive Lodge, reflected on the theme “UENR’s Strategic Plan Vis-A-Vis Vice-Chancellor’s Vision, Ten Years Through, The Way Forward”. The Retreat which was held ahead of the University’s 10th Anniversary Celebration Grand Durbar in April 2023, also sought to provide Management with an environment to brainstorm, discuss and appraise the strategic direction of the Mission, Vision and Core Mandate of the University over a decade and the way forward for a better UENR.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Elvis Asare-Bediako, presenting his Vision and Strategic Direction for the University, noted that the University had attained many achievements since its establishment. He cited the various Centres established and the partnerships with international institutions resulting in several national and global development projects. He acknowledged that to achieve the vision of the University, it’s prudent to embark on income-generation activities to support the project plans of the University. He mentioned that discussions are ongoing with some relevant ministries and private companies to work on some projects for the university in the areas of digitized communication systems and commercialization.
The VC further said that the vision is for all staff to achieve, encouraging the participants to contribute their quota towards the growth of the University. “If we work together, this University will become the best University in Ghana and Africa, if we stick to our mandate”, he expressed with optimism.
The Acting Pro Vice-Chancellor, Prof. John K. Kuwornu in his welcome address and rationale for the Retreat, reiterated that Retreat seeks to provide Management with the Grounds to ponder on UENR’s development, the successes and the challenges as well as what is expected of Management on the way forward. The Acting. Pro Vice-Chancellor was optimistic that the programme would provide actionable strategies to build the University. “I believe that at the end of this training, you will put UENR at heart, you will burn the midnight oil to work hard to market and win more grants and projects for the University”, he added.
The Retreat, which was held before the climax of the 10th Anniversary Celebration slated for April 2023, the Registrar, Solomon Panford, Esq., APR, mentioned in his opening remarks that the programme was significant and timely for the University’s development and transformation. He urged the participants to contribute keenly, be honest with their views, show respect and be tolerant of each other’s opinions.
Speaking as a Resource Person for the Retreat, the Director of the Global Quality Assurance Association, Dr. Violet Makuku in her presentation on the topic “Managerial and Leadership Qualities and Skills of the Management Team” stressed that the workplace symbolizes the miniature of a society that consists of personalities with diverse backgrounds. She expressed her believe that for an organization like UENR to progress certain negative traits should be dealt with while stressing teamwork, coordination, effective communication, and volunteerism among others as effective ways of promoting growth in an institution.
It was noted at the Retreat that UENR has contributed to national development in diverse ways as well as management putting in much effort to build the University. However, Management acknowledged that there’s a need for strategic planning and action-oriented activities to commence immediately to achieve the mandate of the University. These actions include a robust system that fits all employees and stakeholders, teamwork, effective communication and coordination among others.
