The Chief Executive Officer of the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP), Eric Adjei Esq, is expected to address delegates at the 59th National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) Congress, scheduled for October 15 to 18, 2026, at the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR) in Sunyani.
The congress, which will bring together student leaders and other stakeholders in Ghana’s education sector, will be held under the theme: “Shaping Education, Defending Student Welfare: The Role of NUGS in National Development.”
The theme underscores the importance of student representation, the protection of students’ interests and the contribution of the student movement to Ghana’s national development agenda.
Mr Adjei’s participation as a guest speaker is expected to provide an opportunity for delegates to examine the relationship between entrepreneurship, innovation, education and youth development, particularly at a time when the country continues to explore ways of addressing unemployment and expanding economic opportunities for young people.
FOCUS ON ENTREPRENEURSHIP
As head of the NEIP, Mr Adjei occupies a strategic position in the implementation of initiatives aimed at promoting entrepreneurship and supporting young people to develop innovative business ideas.
His engagement with the student leadership is expected to draw attention to the need for tertiary institutions to equip students with relevant skills and practical knowledge that can prepare them for the world of work and business creation.
With thousands of young people graduating from tertiary institutions annually, the need to strengthen entrepreneurship education and create pathways for graduates to establish sustainable businesses remains an important national concern.
The congress is therefore expected to provide a platform for discussions on how student leadership, government institutions and other stakeholders can work together to promote innovation, enterprise development and economic empowerment.
STUDENT WELFARE IN FOCUS
Beyond entrepreneurship, the congress will focus on student welfare and the role of NUGS in advocating policies and interventions that improve the educational experience of students across the country.
Student welfare remains a critical component of Ghana’s educational development, encompassing access to quality education, adequate learning facilities, financial support and an environment conducive to academic excellence.
The theme also places emphasis on the responsibility of student leaders to represent their constituents effectively, engage policymakers constructively and contribute to national conversations on education.
The congress is expected to provide an opportunity for delegates to assess the challenges confronting students and explore practical approaches to addressing concerns affecting their academic and social well-being.
NUGS AND NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
The 59th NUGS Congress comes at a time when the contribution of young people to national development continues to feature prominently in discussions about education, employment and economic transformation.
As the recognised voice of Ghanaian students, NUGS plays an important role in articulating student concerns and engaging relevant authorities on policies affecting tertiary education.
The congress is expected to bring student representatives together to deliberate on issues affecting the student population and the broader responsibilities of the union in shaping national development.
The involvement of personalities from government institutions and other sectors is also expected to enrich discussions on the role of education in preparing young people to respond to the country’s changing economic and social needs.
SUNYANI HOSTS THE CONGRESS
The University of Energy and Natural Resources in Sunyani will host the four-day gathering from October 15 to 18, 2026.
The event is expected to attract student leaders and delegates from various tertiary institutions, providing a platform for engagement, reflection and discussions on the future of student representation in Ghana.
The congress theme places education and student welfare at the centre of national development, reinforcing the need for collaboration among students, policymakers and institutions to address the challenges facing the country’s educational system.
Mr Adjei’s expected address will form part of the engagement with delegates at the congress, with entrepreneurship and innovation presenting important areas for discussion in the broader quest to empower students and prepare them for life beyond the lecture halls.
The congress is expected to strengthen the conversation on how student advocacy, quality education and youth entrepreneurship can contribute to Ghana’s development.
