By Ajiri Daniels
The Chancellor of Hensard University, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, on Sunday, advised pioneer students of the University not to allow themselves to be negatively influenced by outside forces.
Senator Dickson, while also enjoining them to imbibe the virtues of godliness, integrity and dedication in their studies, gave the encouraging words during a Chapel service held by the pioneer students at the University campus in Toru-Orua, Bayelsa state.
He posited that their relationship with God must be reflected in their service to others, that they should always uphold the highest standards of integrity, and that God’s Word and prayer should take precedence in all aspects of their study.
According to Senator Dickson, “These virtues when imbibed would add to your unique learning experience at Hensard University and make you an outstanding student in both academic and career life.
“Your praise and worship to God here is designed to be an integral part of your education. In Hensard University the focus is on holistic development of the human being, it is not just a place that churns out certificates and degrees”, he said..
Dickson further said, “There are many brilliant people out there who are crooks, but this place is designed to mould people to understand the role of spirituality in whatever faith that you believe in. You must take that seriously – the service of God and the belief in God is central, and that connects with your motto: “Qui Servit Homo, Servit Deo”.
“”We all live to serve. The day you stop serving is the day you stop living. These are many more values that are in short supply in our society today.
“Very few people have these values such that when you exhibit it outside you will be misunderstood. But here, we want to groom young minds who will become leaders and champions. Those who will not only be successful materially, but who will also have a balanced and all-round spiritual development.
“When I was governor, I instituted a lot of religious and spiritual activities, because of our understanding that even material resources must be grounded in spirituality and on faith and godliness. That is what will water the tree of your life, so that you become like a tree planted by the riverside that never withers even when others wither”, he added.
Earlier in his sermon, the Chaplain of the University, Rev. Samson Ugwuezi, also encouraged the students to be shining lights in all areas of their academic pursuits, and to take their studies seriously in order to achieve the best.
