Hensard University eyes Cuban partnerships after high-level diplomatic talks

0 25 2 minutes read

Hensard University, located in Toru Orua, Sagbama, Bayelsa, is moving toward international academic collaboration following discussions between its Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sudhakar Kota, and the Cuban Ambassador to Nigeria, Her Excellency Miriam Morales Palmero.

The meeting, which took place in Abuja, focused on building ties in areas such as student exchange, research collaboration, faculty guest lectures, and recruitment within the medical sciences.

Professor Kota expressed optimism about the emerging partnership, emphasising Cuba’s global reputation in medical education and research.

“Our discussion with Ambassador Palmero was very productive.

“We are keen to create opportunities for our medical students to gain international experience, collaborate on research projects, and benefit from guest lectures that will enrich both our faculty and students, ” he said.

The dialogue comes ahead of Hensard University’s planned participation in the 15th International Congress on Higher Education, “Universidad 2026,” scheduled to take place in Havana from February 9 to 13, 2026.

The event, themed “Innovation and social transformation: bets of a higher education for sustainable and inclusive development,” would commemorate the 50th anniversary of Cuba’s Ministry of Higher Education and the 100th anniversary of Commander in Chief Fidel Castro’s birth.

The congress aims to highlight the role of higher education in driving social and economic development, with discussions planned on the legacy of Fidel Castro, higher education’s contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and regional integration in Latin America and the Caribbean.

A variety of forums and symposia will cover topics such as university quality, professional training, innovation, and collaboration between universities and industry.

Participation will be both in-person and virtual, with paper submissions open until September 8 and November 17, 2025.

Hensard University’s engagement with Cuba reflects its ongoing commitment to global academic excellence and student development.

As the first private university in Bayelsa State, the institution offers over 59 programs across 12 faculties, including Agriculture, Business, Education, Engineering, Medicine, and Sciences.

Through international collaborations, dual certifications, and partnerships with universities worldwide, Hensard University seeks to equip students with the knowledge, practical skills, and global perspective needed to excel in their careers and contribute meaningfully to society.

Professor Kota’s anticipated participation at Universidad 2026 is expected to strengthen Hensard University’s international presence while fostering dialogue on the evolving challenges and opportunities in higher education globally.

The pursuit of these international collaborations underscores Hensard University’s commitment to providing its students with a world-class education and fostering a global perspective within its academic community.

The potential partnerships with Cuba, a nation with a strong track record in medical sciences and higher education, represent a promising future for both institutions.

Hensard University, the first private university in Bayelsa State, is dedicated to providing high-quality education across a wide range of disciplines.

With a commitment to academic excellence, practical skills, entrepreneurship, innovation, and holistic development, the university takes its rightful place among global institutions.

The University strives to prepare students for successful careers and lifelong learning through its dual certification and partnership with different universities and institutions across the world offering a diverse range of programmes.

Hensard University further aims to empower students to make a positive impact in their chosen fields and society as a whole, and currently runs over 59 programmes across 12 faculties in Agriculture, Business, Education, Engineering, Medicine, and Sciences.