Hensard University has held its first matriculation and induction ceremony for undergraduate degree and foundation programme students of the university on Friday, December 13, 2024, at Toru-Orua community in Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
Hensard University as a pioneer private university in Bayelsa State, has marked its maiden matriculation and induction ceremony of students poised to produce graduates of academic excellence and entrepreneurs to transform the educational landscape of the Nigerian educational system.
The prestigious fast-growing private university in the state is established to pursue academic, research and entrepreneurial excellence, character formation, discipline and commitment to serve humanity and society in line with the founder’s vision of producing sound graduates.
In his remarks, the Chancellor and Founder of Hensard University, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, congratulated the matriculants and inductees of the only private university in the state, as the pioneer students of the institution basically.
On behalf of his family and the Henry Seriake Dickson Foundation, he appreciated all those who have made contributions in one way or the other for the progress of the university, noting that everyone’s interest for the establishment of Hensard University is kindly and highly appreciated.
Senator Dickson who also serves as the Chairman of Board of Trustees, said Hensard University provides teaching tools, industrial exposure and mentorship to equip, transform students into entrepreneurs and wealth creators in society globally.
He pointed out that the university offers dual certification in international collaborations and partnerships as a revered institution that assures standard academic excellence, research innovations and entrepreneurial exposure of students to be renowned global entrepreneurs.
The chancellor said the uniqueness of Hensard University and vision as an institution partnering universities and other institutions worldwide with a management and staff of vast knowledge and experiences in various academic fields that deliver lectures through smart equipments.
Senator Dickson noted that the university instills core values to be responsible, productive citizens that will create avenues to be leaders and servants of God and humanity, adding that service to God and humanity was the primary task and driving force of his administration as a governor.
He urged the matriculating and inducting undergraduate degree and foundation programme students to take their studies seriously, as the university offers enormous learning opportunities to be employable citizens in society, and mentors of various fields and specialisations.
“On behalf of my family and Henry Seriake Dickson Foundation, I want to express my profound gratitude to you all for coming to witness this remarkable first matriculation and induction ceremony of Hensard University Toru-Orua, despite your busy schedules,” he added.
In his remarks, the Acting Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo congratulated the matriculants and inductees of the university to take their studies seriously as education is the only tool to conquer the world.
Senator Ewhrudjakpo who was ably represented by the Commissioner for Education, Mr Gentle Emelah lauded Senator Dickson’s unwavering and unrelenting commitment and vision for formal education over the years.
He recounted the former governor’s conceived long term vision and passion for knowledge as his concept of rendering selfless service to humanity that has materialized in the founding of Hensard University.
Mr Emelah while thanking the vice chancellor and his management team, reiterated the state government’s readiness and support in partnering with the university in producing sound graduates and building leaders for the future.
In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor of Hensard University, Professor Dr. Dileep Kumar, expressed profound gratitude to the founder of the university, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson for his vision to build and transform the educational system.
He said as a vice chancellor of the university, his dreams are always in line with the founder’s vision whose primary objective is educational revolution, research innovations and entrepreneurial intelligence in the Nigerian educational system.
Dr. Kumar said the founder’s vision talks about more skill acquisitions of students moving away from the theories, but practical academic excellence, research innovations and entrepreneurial opportunities and experience to be employable citizens in society nationally and globally.
He added that the chancellor’s vision of Hensard University is geared towards producing sound graduates with academic excellence, research innovations and entrepreneurial skills to be employable citizens that can compete nationally and globally.
Dr Dileep while congratulating the matriculants and inductees of the university, urged the students to utilize the enormous academic and entrepreneurial opportunities available at their disposal in the institution by studying hard in their various fields or disciplines.
While thanking parents, guardians and other dignitaries for attending the remarkable event, urged Bayelsans, Nigerians and Africans to take advantage of the enormous academical and entrepreneurial opportunities of the university that focuses on building entrepreneurs.
In various remarks, matriculants and inductees of the university expressed profound gratitude to God for making it possible for them to be the first set of matriculating students in the institution, adding that it is a dream come through for them, as the university offers enormous academic and entrepreneurial opportunities.
The matriculation and induction ceremony was graced by Traditional Rulers, former and serving Members of the National Assembly, the Speaker and Members of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, former and serving Commissioners of the Bayelsa State Government.
Prominent dignitaries present at the ceremony included the Sagbama and Ekeremor Local Government Council Chairmen, executives and leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), stakeholders, elders, women and youths from Bayelsa West Senatorial District and beyond.
