Vice-Chancellor Delivers His Address at Veritas University's 15th Convocation Ceremony, Highlights Institutional Achievements and Future Plans

Rev. Fr. Prof. Hyacinth Ichoku presents the University's achievements over the past year, including new academic programmes, major infrastructure projects, student competition victories and a strategic partnership in Artificial Intelligence.

The Vice-Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Prof. Hyacinth E. Ichoku, disclosed these developments in his address at the convocation ceremony held at the University Auditorium, where he presented an account of the University's progress since its last convocation.

Welcoming the graduating class of 2026, the Vice-Chancellor described the graduates as the University's most prized jewels, expressing pride in their accomplishments and the transformation they had undergone during their years of study.

He noted that the convocation marked the official completion of their studies and the beginning of a new chapter in their lives, whether in the world of work or further studies.

Academic Excellence and New Programmes

Speaking on the University's academic progress, Rev. Fr. Prof. Ichoku announced that the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) had increased the University's admission quota for its Pharmacy programme from 60 to 100 candidates. He expressed appreciation to the Council for the approval and its confidence in the University's capacity to train students in the field.

He also announced the commencement of new undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in the 2026/2027 academic session.

The new undergraduate programmes are B.Sc. Artificial Intelligence, Information Systems, Data Science, Cyber Security and Theatre Arts. At the postgraduate level, the University has commenced PGD, M.Sc. and Ph.D. programmes in Biochemistry, as well as PGD, M.Sc. and Ph.D. programmes in Peace and Conflict Studies.

The Vice-Chancellor further stated that all the University's programmes are accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC).

Veritas Students Record Outstanding Achievements in Competitions

The Vice-Chancellor celebrated the achievements of Veritas University students in various national and international competitions, highlighting their victories in basketball, debating and karate.

He reported that the University's students won the NBA Basketball University Tournament hosted by the University of Lagos, the Tech Policy Debate hosted in Ibadan and the National Karate Championship, which was won by female students of the University.

He also highlighted the University's participation in the Global Debating Championship in Bulgaria earlier in the year and the outstanding performance of its Faculty of Law at the 15th National International Humanitarian Law Moot Court Competition organised by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

At the competition, Veritas University advanced to the semi-finals as one of the top four participating institutions and emerged Overall National Runner-Up. The University's student, Blessing Nwana, was also adjudged Best Oralist of the tournament.

At the All-Nigerian Universities Debate Championship (ANUDC) 2026, Veritas University emerged Overall Second Runner-Up in the Debate Championship, while one of its students was recognised as Overall Best Open Speaker, alongside several other medals won by the team.

Veritas University to Host 18th Pan-African Universities Debating Championship

The Vice-Chancellor announced that Veritas University would host the 18th Pan-African Universities Debating Championship (PAUDC) from 12 to 20 December 2026, welcoming delegates from over 23 African nations.

He explained that the hosting opportunity was a direct result of the University's consistency and success in continental debating competitions, particularly its emergence as Continental Champion at the 2022 Championship held in Nairobi, Kenya, and its victory at the Commonwealth Debating Championship in 2024.

Describing the event as the largest of its kind on the continent, he expressed pride in the opportunity to represent Nigeria and bring the significant Pan-African event to the nation's capital.

He consequently invited potential sponsors and donors to partner with the University in hosting the championship.

Strategic Partnership with CADER to Advance Artificial Intelligence

In its commitment to emerging technologies, Veritas University has partnered with the Centre for AI, Digital Justice and Economic Rights (CADER) to establish a broad institutional framework for collaboration in Artificial Intelligence.

The partnership will cover Applied AI programmes and initiatives, research, teaching, capacity building, policy engagement and institutional strengthening.

Referencing Pope Leo XIV's Magnifica Humanitas, which emphasises placing the human person at the centre of Artificial Intelligence, particularly the poor and vulnerable in society, the Vice-Chancellor explained that the collaboration would benefit academic staff and students by exposing them to the latest developments in the field.

He noted that Artificial Intelligence represents the future and that the University was taking proactive steps to remain relevant in the evolving technological landscape. He also disclosed that members of the University's academic faculty were currently working on a book on Artificial Intelligence.

Major Infrastructural Developments Across the University

The Vice-Chancellor also reported significant progress in the University's infrastructural development, particularly in student accommodation, road construction, campus facilities and alternative energy supply.

He announced the completion of a new 600-bed-capacity male hostel, constructed at a cost of ₦1.3 billion by Veritas University Consultancy Limited under the direct supervision of the University's Physical Planning Unit.

He also announced the completion of the new Pa Etos Hostel, built by Pa Etos Limited, with a capacity of 700 beds and currently serving as a female hostel.

On road infrastructure, the University has undertaken road construction from the CICL Girls' Hostel to the new male hostels, alongside the construction of walkways and drainage systems to improve student safety on campus. Other completed road projects include the roads connecting the Auditorium to the Medical Centre and College of Medicine, as well as the road from Block A to the stream.

The Vice-Chancellor further announced the completion of a new student cafeteria with a seating capacity of 1,000. The facility has replaced the former batchers that operated as a clustered market around the female hostels. It accommodates seven professional cafeteria operators, each with dedicated kitchens and standard fittings and equipment to ensure hygienic food preparation and affordable meals for students.

University Advances Plans for 24-Hour Electricity Supply

As part of its commitment to providing a reliable power supply, the University held the ground-breaking ceremony for the provision of clean alternative power under the Earth Our Common Home (ECHO) Project on 2 September 2026.

The ceremony was attended by Cardinal Peter Turkson, Chancellor of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences and the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences at the Vatican, who helped facilitate the project with ECHO.

According to the Vice-Chancellor, the project is expected to generate two megawatts of solar energy upon completion, with the aim of providing Veritas University with a 24-hour electricity supply.

He also disclosed that construction was ongoing on the Engineering and Innovation Centre, a three-storey building expected to serve as the new base of the Faculty of Engineering and an Innovation Centre where students and staff can undertake research and product development. The project is expected to be completed before the end of the year.

Work is also ongoing on the new Health Sciences Faculty Building, a two-story structure with a basement, which is expected to house the University's Nursing and Medical Laboratory departments.

Skills-booth Centre Receives ₦500 Million Donation

The Vice-Chancellor highlighted the University's plans to establish a Skills-booth Centre, following the ground-breaking ceremony held on 20 July 2026. The occasion was attended by the University's former Chancellor, His Eminence John Cardinal Onaiyekan.

The project, estimated to cost ₦1.3 billion, is designed to provide students with opportunities to acquire practical skills in different fields, including technology, fashion and music.

He expressed appreciation to Sir Dr. J.K. Okoye, who donated ₦500 million towards the project, while appealing for additional financial support to facilitate its completion.

Appreciation to Partners, Benefactors and Staff

In acknowledging the contributions of individuals and institutions to the University's development, the Vice-Chancellor expressed gratitude to the University's Visitor, Most Rev. Dr. Mathew Man-Oso Ndagoso; the Chancellor, Most Rev. Dr. Ignatius Kaigama; and the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Governing Council, Most Rev. Prof. Augustine Echema.

He also acknowledged the contributions of the outgone Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Most Rev. Hassan Mathew Kukah, for his leadership and support during his four-year tenure.

The Vice-Chancellor specially recognised Sir Dr. J.K. Okoye for his financial contributions to the University's development. Other individuals acknowledged included former Council member Kanu Agabi, SAN; Mike Ozekhome, SAN; His Eminence John Cardinal Onaiyekan; former Ambassador to Ireland, Mr. Peter Ryan; the current Ambassador to Ireland, Leslie Ní Bhriain; the Minister of Education, Dr. Olatunji Alausa; the Executive Secretary of the NUC, Prof. Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu; and the Registrar of JAMB, Prof. Segun Aina, alongside heads of professional regulatory bodies.

He also congratulated the University's honorary degree recipients, Chief Innocent Ifediaso Chukwuma, CON, and Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, OFR, describing them as models for young people to emulate because of their contributions to national development.

He commended the commitment and dedication of all academic and non-academic staff members, whose efforts have continued to support the University's growth and achievements.

The Vice-Chancellor also remembered members of staff who passed away during the year: Rev. Sister Dr. Chika Eze of the Faculty of Education, Dr. Ikechukwu Egboga of the Marketing Department, Dr. Monique O. Oshame of the Department of English and Literary Studies, and Haruna Obadiah of the Transport Unit.

VC Charges Graduates to Uphold Truth and Integrity

Addressing the graduating class of 2026, Rev. Fr. Prof. Ichoku urged the graduates to apply the knowledge and moral guidance acquired at Veritas University to make meaningful contributions to society.

Quoting former South African President Nelson Mandela, who said that education is the most powerful weapon for changing the world, he encouraged the graduates to use their education to impact their communities and the wider world.

He reminded them of the moral instructions and values instilled in them during their time at the University, urging them to remain men and women of honour and integrity wherever their future endeavours take them.

The Vice-Chancellor also encouraged the graduates to uphold the University's motto and become ambassadors of truth in all their professional and personal engagements.

He further urged them to maintain the friendships and relationships built during their years at the University and to remain connected to one another and their alma mater.

Concluding his address, he encouraged the graduates not to lose focus on their dreams and aspirations, reminding them that discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishments.

“Your work at Veritas University is done and your future starts now. Go out and conquer the world. And when you do, never forget your roots here at Veritas University, Abuja,” he told the graduating class.