Hensard University: A Tiny Hole With A Universal Traffic
For about two decades, it has become an established standard convention that entrance into the University in Nigeria is through Jamb. Statistics show that because of the small carrying capacity of Nigerian Universities, only about 15% of those seeking places in the University system are actually admitted, leaving a huge gap of 85% of applicants out of the system. Obviously, demand has outstripped supply, and this has created army of youths who could not gain admission into the University system.
Again, Nigeria has become educogenic owing to the priority given to higher education certificates. In order to satisfy the unmet demand for tertiary education, the viability of Private Universities has been established as from the 1990s. Private Universities have become critical in the training of manpower for the nation’s economy. Private Universities widen access to higher education. Government holds the view that the growth of Private Universities in Nigeria will create room for competition in terms of instructional delivery, and manpower production.
The man functions of Universities in Nigeria in the developmental process include:
To serve as repositories and generators of knowledge
To prepare and equip graduates for viable employment
To offer rational and timely criticisms in public administration
To promote research, to function as incubators of industrialization
Hensard University is the first Private University in Bayelsa State. It was established not only to broaden access but improve quality through sophisticated pedagogical methods, the infusion of ICT and moral education that would stabilize society for the greater good of all.On a close scrutiny, the user fees of Hensard University are competitively moderate.
I know Bayelsans will take advantages of the opportunity created by Hensard University has taken tertiary academic. Indeed, Hensard University has taken tertiary academic leadership to the doorsteps of Bayelsa people. It is now easier for people in the state to afford tertiary education for their children with a solid moral background.
Henceforth, Hensard University shall become a premium choice for the people in Bayelsa, delta and other states in the South-South geographical space.What is even more important is the mission and vision of the institutions. Hensard University is designed to provide a comprehensive academic programme that will result in the acquisition of knowledge capable of promoting sustainable development.
NDDC lauds Hensard University focus on entrepreneurship programmes
Photo of Saheed Busari Saheed Busari Send an emailMarch 18, 20240 356 3 minutes read
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), on Friday, commended Hensard University for its broad vision of raising entrepreneurs through its academic programmes that are based practical skills, theoretical grounding, international exposure and lineages, and ethical leadership.
NDDC said entrepreneurship was one of the areas it would like to partner with Hensard.
Mr Ogaga Akakabota, a Manager in the Commission’s Directorate of Education, Health and Social Services, made these remarks when he led an NDDC team to Hensard, the first private university in Bayelsa State, on an assessment tour of the progress of work on both the temporary and permanent sites of the university.
He told journalists at premises of the university, that the NDDC team was impressed by the university’s management well-thought out policies and educational facilities, adding that Hensard had the facilities to raise a generation of youths that would be independent, productive and self- sufficient.
“We are here to carry out an evaluation, monitoring and assessment of the readiness of Hensard University. We got a proposal for scholarship, capacity building, grants and scholarships.
” So, we felt it was best for us to come see for ourselves what the school has done, its mission, vision and what it seeks to achieve in terms of educational development in the Niger Delta,” he said.
“After a tour of the take-off facility, the labs, farms, and other structures, our assessment, is that the facilities at Hensard are highly commendable,” he added.
What further impressed the team about Hensard, he said was, “We also have seen that there is a broad vision, not just about people going to school to get a certificate.
”We have seen that the school is poised towards raising entrepreneurs. This will impact very well on its graduates. A shift from graduates being job-seekers to entrepreneurs, and employers of labour will be important at this time of high unemployment”.
He said that Hensard’s vision and mission makes it the type of institution the leadership of the NDDC would like to have partner with in order to achieve the Commission’s mandate.
“Hensard offers great benefits that makes it an excellent choice for students.
”The university’s dual certification policy, allows students to earn two degrees – one from Hensard University and another from partner institutions.
”This enhances their qualifications and expands their opportunities,” the Registrar, ”Mrs. Evelyn Umukoro, who conducted the tour.
“The university’s international student exchange programmes that involve students and faculty to provide global perspectives and foster cultural understanding.
”Our students will also benefit from industry mentorship, practical entrepreneurship training, access to startup funds through the Students’ Contributory Cooperative Scheme, and cutting-edge research at the university’s centres of excellence, that are to be managed with reputable organisations.
”Our students will also benefit from industry mentorship, practical entrepreneurship training, access to startup funds through the Students’ Contributory Cooperative Scheme, and cutting-edge research at the university’s centres of excellence, that are to be managed with reputable organisations.
”The Hensard experience would be delivered in the university’s smart lecture halls and through practicals in facilities like the fish ponds, poultry and the Film School,” she said.
Hensard is currently accepting applications for undergraduate and foundation school programmes. Students interested in pursuing their academic interests and career aspirations are encouraged to explore the university’s wide range of programmes across five faculties: Arts, Social Sciences & Management, Science and Computing, Agricultural Science, Communication and Media Studies, and Environmental Sciences.
The Hensard University Foundation School has been established to meet the needs of some students who may not meet the minimum admission requirements set by the National Universities Commission (NUC).
The Foundation School offers pre-degree programmes tailored towards preparing the students for success in JUPEB, A-levels, O-levels, and JAMB examinations.
Completion of the Foundation School provides an alternative pathway for direct admission to Hensard University.
Top Hensard University officials in the tour included the Bursar Mr. Peter Onigah, Dr. Eucharia Igbafe, Director of Hensard University Foundation School and Dr. Clement Agiangie, Managing Director, Henry Seriake Dickson Foundation.
A critical component is the emphasis on character building, morality and spirituality. The aim is to close the yawning gap between education and our cherished societal values, which are collapsing fast. This is the nugget that is lacking in our University system.
In Japan, the "jukus" are a riveting model of innovation creativity and technology, hence the land of the rising sun is fondly described as a tiny hole with a Universal traffic. At HENSARD University we hold the view that service to man is service to God. This holistic perception is the distinctive character of a trailblazer that is the unique Hensard University.