At the 15th convocation ceremony of Veritas University in Abuja, the institution’s Pro‑Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Most Rev. Prof. Augustine Echema, warned that the Federal Government’s “poor attention” to private universities is a disservice to Nigeria. The ceremony, held on [date not specified] and attended by more than 1,000 graduating students, served as a platform for the call to adopt inclusive policies and provide the support needed for private institutions to thrive.
The graduation saw Anigbogu Olivia Nneka named the overall best graduating student with a cumulative grade point average of 4.98. Honorary doctorate degrees were conferred on former Imo State Governor Ikedi Ohakim, United Nigeria Airlines Chairman Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, and The Sun Politics Editor Fred Itua.
“It would be a great disservice to the nation if the Federal Government continues to pay poor attention to private universities like ours, which have contributed in no small measure to the development of our country,” Echema said.
Echema stressed that private universities are not seeking handouts but rather fair, inclusive policies, infrastructural development and an enabling environment that would allow them to compete globally. With Nigeria’s growing population—Africa’s most populous nation—and rising demand for quality higher education, he argued that investment in both public and private tertiary institutions should be a shared national responsibility.
Despite “several challenges,” the Pro‑Chancellor praised the university’s progress, commending Vice‑Chancellor Rev. Fr. Prof. Hyacinth Ichoku, the management team and staff. He announced that the university’s Skills Booth and Innovation Centre, designed to equip students with practical skills and promote innovation, is under development and slated for completion next year.
Other speakers echoed the call for responsibility and character. Chancellor Archbishop Ignatius Ayau Kaigama urged graduates to become creators of employment, agents of peace and champions of truth, while Visitor and Catholic Bishops’ Conference President Most Rev. Matthew Man‑Oso Ndagoso highlighted Nigeria’s challenges—unemployment, insecurity, corruption and economic hardship—and appealed for government support of private universities as part of a collective effort to educate the nation’s youth.
<small>Source: The Sun Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>
