No fewer than 795 students of Veritas University Abuja have graduated from the institution with many of the graduates going home with various academic awards.
Of the figure, 56 students bagged first class degrees, 329 bagged second class upper degrees; 291 bagged second class lower degrees and 40 bagged third class degrees.
Among the total graduates, 716 were undergraduates, while 79 completed postgraduate programmes, including postgraduate diplomas, master’s degrees, and PhDs.
Also, the university conferred honourary doctorate degrees on the Archbishop Emeritus of Ibadan Diocese, His Grace, Most Rev. Alaba Job; Archbishop Emeritus of Owerri Archdiocese, His Grace, Most Rev. Anthony Obinna; the Asagba of Asaba Kingdom, Prof. Epiphany Azinge (SAN) and Kola Adesina, an engineer and the Executive Director and Group Managing Director of Sahara Power Group.
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 country and the world.
He urged the graduates 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.
The vice – chancellor said: “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.
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“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.”
He noted that Veritas university students have continued to excel on the global stage, performing brilliantly in national and international debate championships and innovative competitions.
Looking ahead, the vice – chancellor 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 VC added.
The Pro – Chancellor and Chairman of Governing Council of the University, Dr. Matthew Kukah expressed his firm belief that the years spent at Veritas University have sufficiently prepared the graduates for the challenges facing Nigeria.
He also expressed confidence that Nigeria would find solution providers to the myriad problems confronting the nation through the students’ innovations.
Kukah 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.”