By Emem Idio, Yenagoa 

Hensard University, Bayelsa State’s first private university is set to commence its inaugural academic session for pioneer students of the institution on Monday, April 29 for the 2023/2024 academic session.

According to the Vice Chancellor of the institution Prof. Dileep Kumar, said the 147 pioneer students are expected on Saturday, April 27, to familiarise themselves with the environment and the University’s rules and regulations, while a two-day orientation for the students admitted into its Foundation School and degree programmes will hold on April 29 and 30.

In a statement by the university’s Public Relations Officer, Chief Sony Neme, Prof Kumar stated that academic activities would start immediately after the two-day orientations that would commence on Monday, April 29, 2024.

According to Prof. Kumar, “Most of the pioneer students are on partial scholarships 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 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 talks, as an institution with a difference.”

His words: “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.

“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, and that transform theory into practice.

“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 facilitate effective mentorship to place students with current knowledge in order for them to become global citizens.”

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 an opportunity to study languages, cultures, the arts, and the ramifications of social, political, economic, and technological development.

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