Hensard University, in collaboration with the National Youth Service Corps in Toru Orua, Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, has concluded a literary competition at the weekend.
The event, staged at the Law Faculty Auditorium, centred on the theme, “Transforming Education and Technology for Sustainable Economic Development in Bayelsa State.”
The organisers said the programme was designed to deepen intellectual discourse, sharpen public speaking abilities and provide students with an avenue to display their creative and analytical talents.
The initiative was coordinated by the Dean of Student Affairs, Professor Ibikunle Francis, alongside Dr Ogechi Cooky-Ndukwe of the Communication Faculty and the NYSC Community Development Service President, Ms Comfort Aladetoyinbo.
Students from various departments participated actively, competing in three categories: Public Speaking, Debate and Spoken Word performance.
In the Public Speaking category, Delight Ugah, a second-year Medicine and Surgery student, clinched first place.
Timini Treasure Ifiemi of Accounting came second, while Rejoice Ebifiyebomini Obuma secured third position.
The Debate contest saw Glory Vincent, a first-year Medicine and Surgery student, emerge winner.
Justina Bulouseigha of Nursing placed second, followed by Triumph Edino of Political Science and International Relations in third position. Angel Pere-ebi Anslem finished fourth.
In the Spoken Word segment, Peace Tamaraebi Tasibo, a third-year Film and Multimedia student, claimed first prize.
Alexis Tarila Kemewengha came second, Victoria Idipiye Lawrence placed third, while Christian Bestman M. finished fourth.
The organisers expressed satisfaction with the turnout and performance of participants, noting that the competition revealed the depth of talent within the university community.
They added that the programme reinforced the need to align education with technology-driven innovation to achieve sustainable economic growth in Bayelsa State.
