University continues to survive well
An Address by the Chancellor of Veritas University, Abuja, Archbishop Ignatius A. Kaigama, on the 10th Convocation Ceremony of the University held on Saturday, 29th January, 2022
Protocol
Ladies and gentlemen,
It warms my heart to stand here today as the Chancellor of this noble institution, on this special occasion of the 10th Convocation Ceremony of Veritas University. I am delighted to see the shining faces of our graduating students, all adorned in their graduation gowns and ready to receive their certificates, having successfully completed their studies. I am also happy to see the excited faces of parents, guardians and sponsors, because they know that their sons and daughters are now well equipped with the knowledge, skills and discipline to contribute patriotically to the common good of society.
Veritas University, Abuja, continues to set the standard for academic excellence integrated with sound moral values. I applaud the efforts of Management and staff for their good works. I am fully aware of the multidimensional challenges of private universities today, with the security of lives of students and staff being the number one concern.
Despite the deteriorating security situation in Nigeria, Veritas University has continued to forge ahead and has been able to weather the storms. I thank the Management, headed by our amiable Vice-Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Prof. Hyacinth E. Ichoku and members of his management team for the measures they have put in place to ensure the safety of lives and property on campus. I know for a fact that a lot of resources which ordinarily should go to capital projects and other costs for the development and running of the campus have had to be diverted to ensure the presence of adequate security personnel on campus. It has not been easy but to the glory of God, Veritas
University continues to survive well.
The attacks by bandits and criminal elements on the educational sector do not just affect the safety of students and staff in schools; they also directly or indirectly affect the survival of private universities. I therefore wish to use this medium to call on the Government to take drastic steps to improve on the security and safety of lives and properties in and around university campuses across Nigeria in order to ensure their continued survival.
As Veritas celebrates its 10th convocation ceremony, there is cause to thank in a special way everyone who has in one way or the other contributed financially and morally to the establishment and continued existence of this University. Though I may not be able to mention everyone by name, however, there are a few who are worthy of mention. First, I thank my immediate predecessor, His Eminence, John Cardinal Onaiyekan (emeritus), former Archbishop of Abuja Archdiocese for the good works done by him as the former Chancellor of Veritas University and former Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council. I also wish to acknowledge in a special way, His Grace, Archbishop Felix Alaba Job (emeritus), former President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria and also the first Chancellor of Veritas University. The roles played by them in the establishment of Veritas University will always be happily and gratefully remembered. I also wish to thank all members of the Board of Trustees, past and present, for their role in ensuring the stability of the university over the years. To all local and foreign donors, who have partnered with the University, I also appreciate you all for your immense contributions to our University. And I pray that the good Lord shall reward you all for your magnanimity towards the positive developments in Veritas University and in Nigeria as a whole.
Finally, to the tenth set of students graduating from Veritas University, I congratulate you all on your accomplishment. Just like every other set of students who graduated from Veritas, you too are a special group. I implore you all to go out into the world and succeed. Chase your dreams and become successful in everything you aspire to. Always be good examples to others. Let the academic and moral instructions you have received at Veritas University be your operational tools as you continue in your respective journeys in this race of life. Just as the motto of Veritas University goes, “Seeking the Truth,” wherever you find yourselves, always ensure to build a reputation as someone who speaks and stands for the Truth. As you are awarded your degrees today, I pray that the Almighty Lord shall continue to crown your lives with good health of body, mind and spirit. I wish you all the very best in life and once again, I congratulate you, your parents, friends and families on your successful graduation from Veritas University, Abuja.
Thank you all for your kind attention.
