The Chancellor of Hensard University, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, has admonished pioneer students of the University not to allow themselves to be negatively influenced by outside forces, urging them to imbibe the virtues of godliness, integrity and dedication in their studies.

Senator Dickson gave the admonition on Sunday June 30 during a Chapel service held at the University campus in Toru-Orua, Bayelsa state.

He posited that their relationship with God must be reflected in their service to others, that they should always uphold the highest standards of integrity, and that God’s Word and prayer should take precedence in all aspects of their studies.

According to the former governor, these virtues when imbibed, would add to their unique learning experience at Hensard University and make them outstanding students in both academic and career life.

His words: “Your praise and worship to God here is designed to be an integral part of your education. In Hensard University the focus is on holistic development of the human being, it is not just a place that churns out certificates and degrees.

“There are so many brilliant people out there who are crooks, but this place is designed to mold people to understand the role of spirituality in whatever faith that you believe in. You must take it seriously – the service of God and the belief in God is central, and that connects with your motto: “Qui Servit Homo, Servit Deo”. We all live to serve; the day you stop serving is the day you stop living. These are many more are values that are in short supply in our society today.

“Very few people have these values such that when you exhibit it outside you will be misunderstood. But here, we want to groom young minds who will become leaders and champions. Those who will not only be successful materially, but who will also have a balanced and all-round spiritual development.

“When I was governor, I instituted a lot of religious and spiritual activities because of our understanding that even material resources must be grounded in spirituality and on faith and godliness. That is what will water the tree of your life so that you become like a tree planted by the riverside that never withers even when others wither.”

Earlier in his sermon, the Chaplain of the University, Rev. Samson Ugwuezi, also exhorted the students to be shining lights in all areas of their academic pursuits, and to take their studies seriously in order to achieve the best.