The Minister of Interior, Honourable Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has charged students of Hensard University to be focused, self-disciplined and to imbibe the right mentality towards their studies, noting that in doing so, greatness awaits them.
Tunji-Ojo, who observed that students have various roles to play in creating a better future for themselves by being responsible citizens and by possessing the drive for success, encouraged them to develop a hunger to effect positive change in the society.
The Minister stated this on Thursday, June 27, 2024 during a courtesy visit to Hensard University’s Campus in Toru-Orua, Bayelsa state.
Accompanied by the Chancellor of the University, H.E. Senator Seriake Dickson and other Senior Faculty members, the visit follows an earlier occasion in which the duo participated in the commissioning of the community's first Federal Fire Safety facility.
While addressing the students, the Minister spoke glowingly about the University, expressing hope that the institution was on the right path to producing world-class leaders.
“You are the future leaders. I believe we are not just nurturing potentials but products that Nigeria will be proud of. When you look at me, I am quite young and you are young too. It tells you that there is a generational shift; and you can only key-in with the right mentality.
“This is a big opportunity for you to be whatever and whoever you want to be. The decision of who you want to be lies on you. In the next 3 to 5 years, you would look back and be grateful to your parents and the founder of this great institution, because you would have become great individuals.
“So, I plead with you not to take this opportunity for granted. You can achieve the highest position in life if you do what is expected of you. Greatness awaits you. Just look deep inside of you and make a decision to be great, and believe me, you shall be great,” Minister Tunji-Ojo stated.
He further expressed his gratitude to Senator Dickson, the Chancellor and University's founder, for his unwavering commitment to fostering and motivating young people through education, which he believes is the finest approach to get them ready for the future.
He voiced the expectation that having the presence of a fire safety department and other state-owned entities within campus proximity will lead to greater development and opportunities for both the student body and the larger community.
In his remarks, Senator Dickson thanked the Minister for his historic visit to the university and implored the students to strive to elevate Hensard University by being good ambassadors of the institution.
He also urged them to take advantage of the resources provided by the university's scholarship programme in order to achieve academic excellence.
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