The Bank of Ghana Auditorium at the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR) came alive with a strong sense of purpose and opportunity from 11th to 13th March, 2026, as industry players and students converged for the 2026 UENR Career Fair.
Representing the Vice-Chancellor, the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Prof. John Kofi Mensah Kuwornu, giving his address on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, noted that the initiative reflects the University’s commitment to aligning academic training with industry expectations and global development priorities.
According to Prof. Kuworno, a central focus of this year’s Career Fair was its alignment with the professional talent of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030. Prof. Kuwornu emphasized that the theme, “Reshaping the Future: Harnessing Talents for Sustainable Development,” was deliberately chosen to highlight key global priorities such as Zero Hunger, No Poverty, Responsible Consumption and Production, Climate Action, as well as Industry, Innovation and Economic Growth.
He urged students to view the fair not merely as a formal gathering, but as a gathering of opportunities where they can align their academic pursuits with global targets.
Opening the event, the University Liaison Officer, Prof. Gilbert Akologo, underscored the urgent need to bridge the gap between classroom learning and industrial application. Citing Times Higher Education, he noted that collaboration between academia and industry is a powerful driver of innovation and societal progress.
Prof. Akologo explained that the initiative is being spearheaded by the University Liaison Office, building on the foundational efforts of the School of Energy and the School of Engineering, to position UENR as a model for industry–academia collaboration both locally and internationally.
Prof. Akologo further described the Career Fair and Industry Expo as a strategic platform that goes beyond conventional teaching, stressing that knowledge must not only be transferred but “co-created for the mutual growth and development of all partners.” He added that such collaboration would enhance faculty research, improve industry efficiency, and better prepare students for the demands of the job market.
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Chief Executive Officer of Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), the Human Resource Manager, Mrs. Agatha Amos, revealed that the most valuable resource for national development lies not beneath the ground in oil or minerals, but within the potential of people.
Speaking on the theme, Mrs. Amos described the event as a vital platform for connecting the powerful forces of industry opportunity and student potential.
She stressed that the rapidly evolving world of work demands more than academic qualifications. While technical knowledge remains essential, she noted that employers in the energy sector increasingly seek individuals who demonstrate curiosity, resilience, collaboration, and integrity.
Mrs. Amos further underscored the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, explaining that modern professionals must be able to work across fields, such as engineers partnering with environmental experts to solve complex challenges.
Touching on inclusivity, she acknowledged the growing participation of women in the energy and natural resources sectors, noting that roles traditionally perceived as male-dominated are increasingly being occupied by female engineers, scientists, and researchers.
Under GNPC’s guiding philosophy of “Empowering Dreams,” she encouraged students to view their careers as avenues for contributing to society rather than merely earning a livelihood. She urged them to seek opportunities beyond the classroom, build professional networks, and remain curious and proactive, while recognizing their responsibility to ensure sustainable development.
The event brought together a wide range of industry partners, including Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), Mantrac Ghana Limited, TechnipFMC, Ghana-India Kofi Annan Centre of Excellence in ICT, Loyalty Insurance Company, the Energy Commission, Natural Resource Governance Institute, Naamgwinaa Technologies, Wanhive Ghana, and other key organisations within the energy and technology sectors.
