Hensard University, Bayelsa takes off with 147 pioneer students April 29

All is now set for the April 29, 2024 take off date for Hensard University in the 2023/2024 academic session.

A two-day orientation of the 147 pioneer students admitted into its Foundation School and degree programmes will be held on April 29 and 30, 2024.

Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Dileep Kumar, said that students are expected on Saturday, April 27, 2024, to familiarise themselves with the environment and the University’s rules and regulations.

This is contained in a statement by the University’s Public Relations Officer, Chief Sony Neme.

The statement quoted Prof Kumar as stating that academic activities would start immediately after the two days orientation.

“Most of the pioneer students are on partial scholarship to cover their tuition fees. Only last week, one of the partners of Henry Seriake Dickson Foundation, which established the University, gave each of the pioneer students grants of N400,000 to cover some of their expenses,” he said.

He also disclosed that the Foundation was working on more grants for the students, saying, “In line with our mission and vision, we are pleased to announce that Hensard University is set to walk its talk, as an institution with a difference.

“Our vision is to be a top-tier academic, research, and entrepreneurial university, producing ethical and responsible students and professionals who are committed to sustainable development.”

He said that the students were unique as pioneers and that the University looked forward to them being the first beneficiaries of the Hensard Advantage, which he summarised as, “Pursuit of academic, research and entrepreneurial excellence, character formation, discipline, and commitment to service in line with the founder’s vision, which will bridge the gaps between academic certifications, skills development, and the practical industrial application of knowledge for the development of society”.

Kumar also said, “Hensard University places a high value on the development of the whole person through character formation, leadership development, and instilling in students a solid spiritual basis for growth based on each student’s faith, belief, and conviction”.

According to the statement, the distinctiveness of Hensard University includes its dual certification programmes based on “collaboration with prestigious national and international institutions to share ground-breaking research, teaching and learning experiences and exchange programmes for both staff and faculty.”

Hensard University, licensed by the National Universities Commission, NUC, in June 2023, is the first private university in Bayelsa. It has 30 accredited degree programmes in its five faculties – Arts, Social Science & Management, Agricultural Science, Science & Computing, Communication & Media Studies, and Environmental Sciences.

“Our twelve core values are belief in God, service to God and humanity with love and compassion towards all. It also encompasses courage of conviction; integrity and honour at all times; respect and  tolerance for all; hardwork and responsibility; passion in everything; innovation and enterprise; discipline; gratitude and excellence”, he intoned.

The VC added that the institution is built on a very strong foundation with His Excellency Senator Henry Seriake Dickson (CON), founder of the ivory tower, as the Chairman of the University’s Board of Trustees.

“Our students are further reminded that the institution is established to pursue academic, research and entrepreneurial excellence, character formation, discipline, and commitment to service in line with the founder’s vision,  which will bridge the gaps between academic certifications, skills development, and the practical industrial application of knowledge for the development of society. In keeping with the University’s vision of producing leaders, entrepreneurs, and champions of economic and social change,

“Hensard students will be taught entrepreneurship and encouraged to become real entrepreneurs, beginning in their second year of school  by exposure to practical involvement in the running, overseeing, and management of businesses in their chosen fields under the guidance and mentorship of the school.

“The goal of combining academic excellence and participation in business management is for every Hensard student to graduate with the academic, personal training, discipline, and practical skills needed to meet the Hensard expectation that its graduates will not only be ready for the labor market but will also create jobs and be employers of labour”, he added.

He wants the student’s to also have it at the back of their minds  that Hensard alumni will continue to receive mentorship and support in creating their own enterprises after graduation through the Hensard Business Support Programme.

For him: “Hensard University places a high value on the development of the whole person through character formation, leadership development, and instilling in students a solid spiritual basis for growth based on each student’s faith, belief, and conviction.

“The distinctiveness of Hensard University is further emphasized by its broad vision of human development. While it strives towards the highest academic, research, entrepreneurial and innovation standards, it also emphasizes character, morality, and spirituality, without which academic qualification or life, according to Hensard standard, is incomplete.

“Hensard University’s motto Que servit homo servit Deo is instructive in this regard. Que servit homo servit Deo, Service to man is service to God, is the philosophy that encompasses these core values.”

“Our Mission is to impact society in a transformational way – locally, nationally, and worldwide; transform students through innovative teaching and entrepreneurial involvements that promote lifelong learning; and encourage research and development for the progress of society and inclusive sustainable development.

“We shall also in collaboration with prestigious national and international institutions share ground-breaking research, teaching and learning experiences; and offer state of the art infrastructural facilities for blended, project and problem-based learning; accomplish leadership in each discipline, reinforce interdisciplinary and industry driven education, that transform theory into practice”, he added.

He  further stated that the institution will also act as a global open marketplace of ideas where students  are free to challenge  notions, presumptions or customs, cultures, traditions and  biases to advance their pursuit of new knowledge and the advancement of society; as well as increase cultural knowledge by providing opportunity to study languages, cultures, the arts, and the ramifications of social, political, economic, and technological development.

“We are poised to produce ethical students and leaders with sound personality, character, enduring emotions, and sound intellect for better service. With our unique international, industry, advisory boards, and linkages, we will facilitate effective mentorship to place students with current knowledge in order for them to become global citizens”, Kumar assured.