The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Council of Veritas University, Bishop Mathew Hassan Kukah, says Nigeria will find solutions to its current problems through innovations from students.
Bishop Kukah spoke as 43 female students of Veritas University, Abuja graduated with First Class, among 56 that graduated in that category.
Kukah, who spoke at the university’s 13th convocation ceremony, yesterday, expressed optimism that the years spent at Veritas University have sufficiently prepared the graduates for the challenges facing Nigeria.
He said:”Students from Veritas University have proven their mettle through both local and international awards that you have won for individual and group collaboration.
“ These are indicators that we are producing graduates who will not merely seek jobs, but will create safe and efficient spaces to excel.
“Your education is a key, not just a map. So, use it to open new doors of opportunity in a world that is fast changing. The future belongs to young men and women with ideas and the boldness to pursue them.”
Earlier, in his speech, the vice chancellor of the university, Rev. Fr. Prof. Hyacinth Ichoku, said the institution is contributing to national development by adding to the rich human resource capital of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the world.
He urged the graduating students to fly high and soar like eagles, so that when those they leave behind see them in a few years, they too will believe they can succeed.
He told the graduates:”As you prepare to commence the next chapter in your lives, there are a few things that you must always keep close to your hearts and minds. Never forget your days at Veritas University.
“The institutional memories you lived through and now carry with you must always be a light that guides your path. As your Vice Chancellor, I wish I could say that things will get easier from here for you, but nevertheless, since you have survived the academic rigors of Veritas University, I am rest assured that you can excel in the world beyond.
“For we have endowed you not just with the knowledge you require to excel, but we have built in you the formation that makes you strong, tough, resilient, and daring. You are no longer the naive novices who gained admission four or five years ago into Veritas University. You are now well-seasoned and experienced vanguards of knowledge, truth, and integrity. “
The vice chancellor noted that Veritas university students have continued to excel on the global stage, performing brilliantly in national and international debate championships and innovative competitions.
He said the institution hopes to have made significant progress, or at least commenced, the construction of the Engineering and Innovation Centre, which is estimated to cost over N2 billion. Plans also include the construction of the Nursing Faculty Building, Food Courts, and a Shopping Mall at the female hostel to provide students with better dining options and shopping facilities.
The institution also conferred honorary degrees upon Archbishop (Emeritus) Alaba Job; Archbishop (Emeritus) Anthony John Valentine Obinna; HRM Prof. Epiphany Azinge, the Asagba of Asaba Kingdom; and Engr. Kola Adesina, the Executive Director and Group Managing Director of Sahara Power Group.
The university awarded degrees to 795 students at its 2024 graduation ceremony, with 56 graduates securing first class honours.
Among the total graduates, 716 were undergraduates, while 79 completed postgraduate programmes, including postgraduate diplomas, master’s degrees, and PhDs.
Additionally, 329 earned a second class upper, 291 received a second class lower, and 40 graduated with third class honours, respectively.
Source: Vanguard News
EduTimes Africa, a product of Education Times Africa, is a magazine publication that aims to lend its support to close the yawning gap in Africa's educational development.