By ANGEL NWOKOCHA, Staff Reporter, Abuja
The Student Union Government (SUG) and Alumni Association of the University of Africa, Toru-Orua, have honoured the National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, in recognition of his contributions to educational development in Bayelsa State and their in particular. They conferred Dickson with the award when they paid him a courtesy visit.
Speaking during the visit, the President of the Alumni Association, Comrade Kofa Samuel, expressed profound appreciation to Senator Dickson for his vision and commitment to education, particularly the establishment of the University of Africa during his administration as Governor of Bayelsa State.
He noted that the former governor’s investment in education has continued to transform lives and create opportunities for young people, adding that the university has, at the last count, produced 13 first-class graduates from Bayelsa West Senatorial District alone.
While commending Senator Dickson for his representation at the National Assembly, Kofa, on behalf of the Alumni Association, decorated the former Governor as the Grand Patron of the association.
Similarly, the Student Union Government presented an Award of Recognition to the former governor. The award was presented by Comrade Clifford Ganagana on behalf of the student body as part of activities marking the visit.
In his response, Senator Dickson, on behalf of his family, constituents and the Nigeria Democratic Congress, thanked the student bodies for the visit and the honours bestowed on him.
He expressed pride in his contributions to human capital development and societal advancement through education, noting that the impact of the investments made during his administration continues to manifest in the lives and achievements of beneficiaries.
The lawmaker emphasised that education goes beyond being a meal ticket, describing it as a powerful instrument that equips individuals with the knowledge, capacity and ability to transform society.
He described the visiting student leaders and alumni as living evidence of the enduring impact of his administration’s investment in education, expressing satisfaction that the vision behind establishing the University of Africa, Toru-Orua continues to yield positive results.
Senator Dickson further charged the students and alumni to contribute meaningfully to the development of society, urging them to embrace leadership, responsibility and service to humanity.
He also called on them to join and support the Nigeria Democratic Congress, which he described as a political platform for young people and the future of the country.
