Hensard University Explores Academic Collaboration with Cuba Ahead of International Congress
Hensard University, Toru Orua, Sagbama in Bayelsa State, is strengthening its international academic partnerships following a high-level meeting between its Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sudhakar Kota, and the Cuban Ambassador to Nigeria, Her Excellency Miriam Morales Palmero.
The discussions, held in Abuja, focused on potential collaborations in student exchanges, research initiatives, recruitment, and guest lectures within the medical sciences. Professor Kota highlighted Cuba’s expertise in medical education and research as a key driver for the partnership.
“Our dialogue with Ambassador Palmero was highly productive,” said Professor Kota. “We are excited about opportunities for our students to gain international experience, participate in collaborative research, and benefit from reciprocal guest lectures that enrich both students and faculty.”
Hensard University has also received a formal invitation from the Cuban Ministry of Higher Education and Cuban universities to attend the 15th International Congress on Higher Education, “Universidad 2026,” in Havana from February 9–13, 2026. The congress, themed “Innovation and Social Transformation: Bets of Higher Education for Sustainable and Inclusive Development,” marks the 50th anniversary of Cuba’s Ministry of Higher Education and the centenary of Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro’s birth.
The event will provide a platform for discussion on the role of higher education in achieving Sustainable Development Goals, the legacy of Fidel Castro, Latin American and Caribbean integration, and global higher education challenges. It will feature six symposia covering quality education, professional training, university-industry partnerships, research, innovation, and university extension programmes. Participation will be available both physically and virtually, with paper submission deadlines set for September 8 and November 17, 2025.
Hensard University, the first private university in Bayelsa State, currently offers over 59 programmes across 12 faculties, including Agriculture, Business, Education, Engineering, Medicine, and Sciences. The institution is committed to delivering world-class education, fostering entrepreneurship, innovation, and global perspectives among its students.
The planned collaborations with Cuban universities are expected to provide students with invaluable international exposure and strengthen research and knowledge-sharing initiatives in medical sciences and beyond, positioning Hensard University as a leading institution in higher education innovation and global engagement.
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