Professor Elvis Asare-Bediako, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR), has inaugurated phase one of an ultra-modern facility to advance the study of science in the university.

The four-storey facility, which has lecture halls, administration offices and two laboratories, is serving as a research center and practical studies for the School of Sciences.

Speaking at a short ceremony in Sunyani, Prof Asare-Bediako commended the heads of the various faculties and department for their instrumental role in advancing the growth and development of the university.

He said: “The construction of the project reflects a shared vision, direction and collaborative leadership”, and called for additional funding support from the government and philanthropic organisations towards the completion of the facility.

Prof Samuel Fosu Gyasi, a Microbiologist and the Dean of the School of Sciences, said the “laboratories are tailored for students in biomedical and physical sciences disciplines of nursing, biology, and medical laboratory science”.

He said the first laboratory was well equipped for pathology and anatomy instructions, with additional facilities to accommodate cadavers for teaching purposes, explaining that the “second lab will support training in microbiology, immunology and hematology”.

The combined laboratories will accommodate 450 students, Prof Gyasi stated, adding that “hands-on training is critical to complementing theoretical instruction”.

He said: “No matter how advanced the lecture sessions are, without practical engagement, student learning remains incomplete”.

Mr Augustine Abbenu, the President of the UENR Science Students Association (SCISA), stressed the commitment of the association to support excellent academic work through the development of modern learning infrastructure for useful learning and research outcomes.