The Senator representing Bayelsa West, Senator Seriake Dickson, has emphasized that education remains the most reliable tool for transforming any human society.
Speaking at the maiden matriculation ceremony of Hensard University, where he serves as Chancellor, the former Bayelsa State governor underscored the importance of human capital development as the foundation for societal progress.
The event, held at the university’s matriculation arena in Toru-Orua, Sagbama Local Government Area, Bayelsa, provided an opportunity for Senator Dickson to elaborate on his motivation for continuous investment in education. According to him, while building roads, bridges, and other infrastructures is important, they are merely “brick and mortar” if not complemented by the development of the human mind.
“The focus of Hensard University is on the total development of the human being, not just academic excellence. I urge the matriculants and inductees to remain focused and give their utmost, knowing the high standards the university has set,” Senator Dickson said. He further encouraged the Vice-Chancellor and his team to work collectively toward achieving the university's vision of combining academic excellence with skills development and industry mentorship to produce leaders and graduate entrepreneurs.
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Senator Seriake Dickson, Chancellor, Hensard University, in a group photography with other Council members[/caption]
The senator also announced the university’s preparedness to begin its second academic session, revealing that professional courses in Law, Medicine, Engineering, Nursing, and Pharmacy are set to commence soon.
In his remarks, the Acting Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, represented by the State Commissioner for Education, Mr. Gentle Emelah, congratulated the matriculants and inductees, urging them to take their studies seriously. “Education is the only tool to conquer the world,” he said while commending Senator Dickson’s vision for service to humanity, which culminated in the establishment of Hensard University. The acting governor also reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment to partnering with the university in its endeavours.
The Vice-Chancellor of Hensard University, Professor Dileep Kumar, expressed gratitude to Senator Dickson for making his vision a reality and to the university’s management team for supporting the founder’s goals. Addressing the students, Professor Kumar said, “Education is the springboard to self-development and the accomplishment of your dreams and goals. Take your academics seriously.”
Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof. (Mrs.) Prekeyi Tawari-Fufeyi, in her vote of thanks, reminded students of the institution's zero-tolerance policy for cultism, drugs, and illegal unionism. She encouraged them to uphold the university’s 12 core values, which include belief in God, respect and tolerance for all, integrity, love and compassion, discipline, innovation, hard work, and a commitment to excellence.
Also present at the event was the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Africa, Professor Solomon Tamarabrakemi Ebobrah, who expressed his delight at having another reputable institution in Toru-Orua. He noted that Toru-Orua has become the first community in the Niger Delta to host two universities, setting a remarkable precedent.
Dignitaries in attendance included Mr. Abraham Ingobere, Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, accompanied by other state lawmakers, traditional rulers led by King Seiyefa Koroye (Pere of Tarakiri Kingdom), local government chairmen, and other prominent Bayelsa West political stakeholders, including Elder Fyneman Wilson, Dr. O.O. Osusu, Mr. Victor Okubonanbo, and Mr Jonathan Obuebite, former Commissioner for Education in Bayelsa State.
The ceremony highlighted Hansard University’s commitment to academic excellence, skills development, and the production of future leaders equipped to drive societal transformation.
