The National Universities Commission (NUC) Accreditation Review Panel visited Hensard University, Toru Orua in Sagbama, Bayelsa State, on Monday to assess the institution’s facilities and academic programmes.
The NUC team was received by the university’s Director of Academic Planning (DAP), Dr Uppin C. V., on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, Prof Sudakha Kota.
Also present were Prof Femi Shaka, Dean of Film and Multimedia Studies; Prof Francis Ibikunle, Dean of Engineering; and other senior management staff.
The panel was led by Dr Victoria Akumaa and included Mr Jude Akubue, Domingo Tunbosun, Dominic Obiora Chukwuani (Secretary) and Yakubu Usman Abubakar.
During a briefing, the DAP said the university – the first private institution in Bayelsa State – was committed to academic excellence, innovation and compliance.
He highlighted the Hensard University Academic Staff Development Scheme (ASDS), describing it as a structured policy designed to ensure continuous training, qualification enhancement, research capacity development and professional growth of academic staff.
“The scheme ensures compliance with Nigerian University regulatory standards and supports institutional goals of academic excellence, innovation, and sustainability,” he said.
He added that the university aimed to “impact society in a transformational way – locally, nationally, and worldwide” through international and industry advisory boards and linkages to facilitate effective mentorship and produce “knowledgeable and competent men and women who will catalyse the transformation of society towards self-reliance and credibility.”
In a virtual address, Prof Kota said that since assuming office, he had engaged with international and local research organisations to secure collaborations beneficial to students and the university.
After a two-day interaction and inspection of the university’s facilities, Dr Akumaa commended the three-year-old institution for its positive growth, particularly in infrastructure. She acknowledged that a university is never fully built, but pointed out areas requiring improvement.
The management pledged to address the recommendations immediately.
