From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
Veritas Univerisity, Abuja, has graduated 795 students from different disciplines who successfully completed their academic and non-academic activities, at the 13 convocation ceremony of the University.
At the event held at the University Campus, on Saturday, 56 students were awarded first class degrees; 329 bagged second class upper degrees; 291 bagged second class lower degrees; while 40 bagged third class degrees.
In addition, 25 students were awarded postgraduate diplomas, 49 bagged master’s degree, and five bagged PhD degrees. Similarly, Honourary Doctorate degrees was conferred on the Archbishop Emeritus of Ibadan Catholic Archdiocese, 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).
Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Hyacinth Ichoku, in his remarks, at the convocation ceremony, confirmed that the graduating students have been trained and equipped with necessary theoretical and practical skills and knowledge to champion remarkable development in Nigeria and beyond.
He said he was confident the graduands would be able to navigate through the next chapters of their lives and careers seamlessly, given their ability to survive the rigours of Veritas University.
He informed the graduands that the institutional memories they lived through and now carry with them must always be a light that guides their 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 rigours of Veritas University, then I am assured that you can excel out there in the world.
“For we have endowed upon you not just the knowledge you require to excel, but we have built in you the formation that makes you strong and tough, resilient and daring. You are no longer the naive kids who gained admission four/five years ago into Veritas University, you are now well seasoned and embodiment of knowledge, truth and integrity.
“So, whenever chaos of life come like a storm, you must always remain calm and in control. As you graduate today, it is time for you to fly and soar like the eagle, so that when those you leave behind see you in a few years, they too will believe they can.”
Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council of the University, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, in his remarks charged the graduands to allow the values of integrity, hard work, compassion and commitment imparted in them by the University, guide them in contributing their quota to make Nigeria a better country.
He said: “I am proud of Veritas University where we strive not to only impart knowledge but to more importantly, instill in our students, the requisite tools for the critically required to forge a great country.
“The University has tried to imbibe in you values like integrity, hard work, compassion and commitment. We have tried to show you that very often, the long road is a better and more rewarding road than the short cuts that look attractive, but, in the end, lead to doom. So, I enjoin you, carry along these values in both your private and public life.”
Bishop Kukah noted that Nigeria was at a cross road due to by many challenges, but expressed optimism the graduands were fully prepared by the institution to overcome the myriad of challenges.
“It is my firm belief that your years spent in Veritas have sufficiently prepared you for these challenges. I am confident that the country will find solution providers to the myriads of the problems confronting it because through your innovations, you are already leading the way.
“Your education is a key, not a mere map. So, use it to open new doors of opportunity for a world that is fast changing. The future belongs to young men and women with ideas and boldness to pursue them,” he added.
Archbishop of Abuja Archdiocese, Most Rev Ignatius Kaigama, in his remarks, recalled with nostalgia, the little days of beginning of the University, some years ago.
“From the small mustard seed that Veritas University was at its take-off campus in Obiehi, Abia State, the University is rapidly turning into a giant oak tree, consistent with the dream of its founding fathers which was to build a University that will rank among the best in the world, with students who can favourably compete with the very best.
“I am happy to note that the University has been bringing home laurels in the various competitions that it has participated in. It is providential that the convocation lecturer is today, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, the Governor of Anambra State.
“I remembered, vividly, that during a brainstorming session held at the Pope John Paul II Centre, Abuja, before Veritas University was relocated from the temporary site in Obiehe in Abia State to its permanent site in Bwari, Abuja, one of the experts invited to brainstorm on the nature of the University was Prof. Soludo, who in his submission, clearly and emphatically talked about a Catholic University that is uniquely Catholic with a distinct academic and spiritual identity/nature.
“I am sure the Governor will be nodding his head in appreciation that his vision is being actualized by the management of Veritas University,” he said.
He congratulated the graduating students, adding, “now that you have all worked diligently to reach this point, go forth with confidence and purpose. Always remember that education is not a destination: it is a lifelong journey; continue to learn, and strive for excellence.”