Speaking at the inauguration of the 11-member Council in Accra on Wednesday, the Minister urged the board to assume its rightful role in delivering relevant and quality higher education to the people of Bono, Ahafo and beyond.

Mr Iddrisu charged the Council to apply its expertise to resolve outstanding legal issues concerning the office of the Pro-Vice Chancellor to promote an efficient learning environment.
He noted that Government, through the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund), was working to address infrastructure development across public universities.

“There is a proposal I am reviewing for over 200 million euros to support aggressive infrastructure for the institution,” he said.

The Minister also announced that the Chief Executive Officer of SIC Life intended to construct additional hostels for UENR and the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), as part of the company’s corporate social responsibility.

“I assure and encourage him that my first choice would be that that infrastructure should go to the UENR.
“With my equity lens, UENR does have better infrastructure than KNUST, and it was appropriate for such engagement to give meaning to the expanded infrastructure initiative of SIC Life,” he said.

Mr Iddrisu said President Mahama envisioned the establishment of satellite campuses in other parts of the region and beyond, to expand access to quality tertiary education.
He disclosed that he had received a petition concerning the University’s management, which would be referred to the Council for advice and guidance.

The Minister stated that UENR was among four public tertiary institutions selected to receive a GHS10 million infrastructure development facility from GETFund.

The seed funding is intended to support infrastructural projects within the beneficiary institutions.
Oseadeyo Dr Agyemang Badu II, Chairman of the Governing Council and Paramount Chief of the Dormaa Traditional Area, thanked the President for the opportunity to serve, and pledged to uphold the values of integrity, transparency, and academic excellence.

He also assured that the Council would work collectively to address the petition promptly.

The Minister also inaugurated the governing councils of Bolgatanga Technical University, Koforidua Technical University, and the University for Environmental and Sustainable Development.