The University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR) has made a passionate appeal to government to provide the institution with GH¢50 million to address its infrastructural deficit.
The University which was established in Sunyani, in the Bono Region, in 2012 with a student population of 154, has more than six thousand students currently.
As a result, there is pressure on the existing infrastructure which has not seen significant expansion over the years.
The request was made when the Governing Council of the University led by its Chairman, Professor A. K. Tuah, paid a courtesy call on President Akufo-Addo at the Jubilee House, in Accra.
During the establishment of the University of Energy and Natural Resources, UENR, by Act 830 in 2011, it was provided with an initial fund of ¢10 million which was expended on salaries, rehabilitation of some buildings and the acquisition of some vehicles and recurrent expenditure.
Prof Tuah said the increase in the student population has put a serious strain on the existing infrastructure and this is affecting teaching and learning. Therefore, ¢50 million will be needed for expansion.
The Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Harrison Dapaah, said the University is engaged in several projects, including, weather prediction system, earth observation and innovation center, fire detecting equipment capable of detecting wild fires from Senegal to Cameron, among others.
The University, however lacks basic infrastructure such as modern laboratory.
Professor Dapaah appealed to President Akufo-Addo to come to the aid of the university.
President Akufo-Addo commended the Governing Council of the University for the successes it has chalked up over the years despite the challenges.
The University currently has three campuses located in Sunyani, Nsoatre and Dormaa Ahenkro.
The Sunyani campus which is approximately 85 acres is home to the Schools of Sciences; Natural Resources; Graduate Studies and the Main Administration as well as the University Library.
