Former Bayelsa State Governor and Senator representing Bayelsa West, Senator Seriake Dickson, has reiterated that education remains the most sustainable investment for any society.
He stressed that meaningful development is rooted in human capacity building rather than physical structures alone.
Dickson stated this during a visit to Hensard University, Toru-Orua, in Bayelsa following a week-long stay in his country home where he had gone to pay his final respects to his late brother, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, fondly known as E-Lawrence.
Despite the emotional weight of the visit and other engagements during the period, the senator said he made time to interact with staff and students of the university, describing the engagement as part of a personal tradition whenever he is home.
Hensard University, the first and currently the only private university in Bayelsa State, is approaching its third year of existence.
Dickson said he was impressed by the visible progress recorded by the institution within a short time, noting that its growth reflected vision, discipline, and effective leadership.
He specifically commended the university management under the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sudhakar Kota, for demonstrating dedication and clarity of purpose.
He added that the conduct, confidence, and contributions of the students during the interaction were equally commendable.
The former governor reiterated his long-held position that while infrastructure development is important, it remained limited in impact without deliberate investment in education.
According to him, physical structures are ultimately temporary, but education remains the only enduring tool for societal transformation.
Dickson recalled that his tenure as governor was anchored on a strong commitment to education, noting that he consistently prioritised the sector because of its role in shaping minds and securing the future of the state.
He warned that any society that fails to invest adequately in education would inevitably be forced to invest more in prisons and graveyards, as ignorance and neglect often breed crime and social instability.
The senator said his passion for education informed the establishment of key institutions across Bayelsa State and the award of thousands of scholarships to deserving students from the state and across Ijaw land, a gesture he said he has continued to sustain.
Addressing the students, Dickson expressed satisfaction with their discipline and comportment, urging them to uphold the core values of Hensard University.
He advised them to continue to shun drug abuse, cultism, and other social vices as they prepare themselves for leadership roles in society.
He described the students as future leaders whose character and discipline would be as important as their academic achievements, encouraging them to remain focused and committed to excellence.
Dickson expressed optimism about the future of Hensard University and said he looked forward to more engagements with the institution, noting that quality education remained central to the long-term progress of Bayelsa State and the nation.
