On behalf of my family and the Henry Seriake Dickson Foundation, I extend warm welcomes to you. Your interest in the establishment of Hensard University by the Foundation is greatly appreciated.Hensard University provides its students with a unique combination of academics, practical skills, industrial exposure, and mentorship. Hensard aims to equip her students with real-world experiences and entrepreneurial skills. We are poised to transforming graduates as entrepreneurs and wealth creators with industry-oriented skills. Dual certifications, international collaborations and partnerships will ensure standards, and exposure of our students to renowned mentors and leaders in various fields, globally.
The uniqueness of the Hensard vision entails:
All these are to be co-ordinated by the carefully selected Hensard team of international faculty and staff with vast experiences to create a truly robust academic community.
Academic excellence and skills are vital, but not enough. Hensard's 12 core values is to guide students to becoming responsible, ethical, honourable citizens, leaders and servants to God and humanity, as encapsulated in Hensard's motto, "Qui Servit Homo, Servit Deo" (He who serves man, serves God).
I have always been driven by a deep desire to improve society through education. As I have always stated, "Education is the only tool that can transform human being and society. At the end of the day, any other investment, no matter how valuable, is brick and mortar, which will deteriorate over time and require repairs. Investment in education, on the other hand, not only lasts but also yields transgenerational returns in the lives of individuals and society at large. Education is the most secure path to social, economic, and political inclusion, and it ensures the security of human society."
My tenure as Governor of Bayelsa State witnessed unprecedented investments in education, moving the state in national exams ranking from the low point of 27th in 2012 to the top 5 in 2016.
My declaration of an emergency on education was based on a knowledge of the links between education, security, and development. I followed up the declaration with revolutionary policies that resulted in the establishment of more primary and secondary schools in communities with residential quarters for teachers and staff, scholarships at undergraduate and postgraduate levels in Nigeria and abroad, two state universities, a college of education, a polytechnic, a school of agriculture, an institute of tourism and more, while re-invigorating existing institutions.
The Ijaw National Academy was the centrepiece of my government's 13 model secondary schools, a modern institution for both boys and girls selected from across the Niger Delta and specially subjected to high level leadership and mentorship activities. The school has cutting-edge facilities, sports facilities and the students are on full scholarship, with uniforms, books, and three-square meals a day provided for free, just like the kids at the 12 other model boarding schools.
These initiatives, along with key policies such as the Education Development Trust Fund, the Tertiary Education Students Loan Board, free secondary school boarding, and the teaching training and certification board, which my government initiated and supported through legislation, transformed education in Bayelsa State, creating opportunities for self-development and preparing young people for long-term roles in society. My dedication to education has not wavered since I left office. Every year, I award scholarships and educational awards to worthy students.
The founding of Hensard University is a brand-new, exciting chapter in my lifetime dedication to education and the advancement of human potential. For parents and students who want to send their children overseas for a top-notch international education without the risks, difficulties, expenses, and upheaval that would entail as well as the alteration of our valued African culture, Hensard University offers a reliable solution.
Total human development is highly valued at Hensard University. Hensard is truly Nigerian, proudly African, and genuinely international.
I cordially invite the Nigerian and African diaspora to join me at Hensard University on our exciting journey toward a better world.
Attention all students, parents, and stakeholders: Ensure to verify information exclusively from our official website, www.hensarduniversity.edu.ng, and our designated social media channels. Disregard any details shared in unofficial group chats. Additionally, only make payments through accounts linked to our website. Stay vigilant and trust only verified sources for accurate updates and transactions.