Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, His Eminence, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, has appealed to the Federal Government to create access to subsidised university education to achieve growth in Nigeria.

Onaiyekan who is also the Chancellor, Veritas University, Abuja (VUNA), made the appeal in Bwari while addressing participants at the second and third convocation ceremonies of the 2012/2013 and 2013/2014 sets of the institution.

He said although government authorised licensing of private universities in the country, it should do more to support such level of education to form men and women of character and integrity. Onaiyekan said, “We raise our eyes up to our government, to stretch out to us a much needed hand of fellowship and partnership. It will be recalled that after years of hesitation, our government finally gave up its monopoly of university education in Nigeria, opening the way for government institutions.

“Although they all go under the general name of private universities, it is to be expected that each one would have its own peculiar vision and character. They therefore supplement government efforts not only in providing the much needed extra admission spaces but also in giving Nigerians a variety of choices in university education. We appeal to government to give our universities access to its facilities for subsidising tertiary education in Nigeria.”

He said that VUNA was established by the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria in line with the church’s principles to pursue truth in all its form.

According to him, we are anxious for a sincere dialogue with government on this matter, all in view of making our university more accessible than it is now.

Also speaking, the Pro-Chancellor and chairman of Council of VUNA, Most Rev. Anthony Obinna said that the institution sought to promote high standards of teaching and learning to produce quality graduates.

Speaking on behalf of the graduating students, the overall best graduating student, Miss Somtochukwu Agwulonu, attributed the success to support by her parents and God’s work. She graduated with a CGPA of 4.65.

 

According to him, this is why formation in Catholic moral and social teachings is mainstreamed into academic disciplines and into professional trainings.

He urged the graduating students not to leave any stone unturned in pursuance of academic excellence to attain greater heights in life.

Obinna said, “As you seek employment or begin to work or move on to further studies with your life, I believe that the seasoned formation you received in VUNA will continue to motivate you to greater achievements.”

Also speaking, the Vice Chancellor of VUNA, Prof Michael Kwanashie, expressed that there was need for close working relations among universities within the country to ensure growth.

He maintained that it was only by so doing that there can be meaningful youth development.

Kwanashie said “there can be no transformation in this country unless we promote transformative education.

Speaking on behalf of the graduating students, the overall best graduating student, Miss Somtochukwu Agwulonu, said although achieving the feat was difficult, she attributed the success to support by her parents and God’s work.

Agwulonu who graduated with a CGPA of 4.65 said, “My mum told me that if I was to come back home, I must not come home with second class lower and that motivated me to study all through my stay here.

“I went with that spirit and I am happy I made the best.”

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