Veritas University, Abuja (The Catholic University of Nigeria)

The first set of students numbering 100 of the VERITAS University were matriculated with strong warning to desist from engaging in any cult activities, drugs and indecent dressing.

Speaking at the ceremony held at the University temporary campus in Obehie, Ukwa West Local Government area Abia State, the Vice-Chancellor Prof. Justin Ukpong said the institution is a cult-free, drug-free and decent dressing one. Prof. Ukpong said:”If you think that getting into a University is an opportunity to join cult society, engage in drugs and dress as youm like to expose your body, then VERITAS University is not for you and such things should never be mentioned here” He challenged the students to remember where they came from and the need to protect their family 's values, adding that every attempt to engage in any cult related activities or drugs should be reported to the school authorities without delay. The VC assured parents and guardians that their children and wards would imbibe discipline, the culture of hard work,proper behaviour and high moral values as it used to be in the good old school days. “You will not be allowed to go out of campus and come in at will and you must know the correct purpose for which you are in this University, and for which your parents have denied themselves a lot to send you here”, he warned. Prof Ukpong also said: “If your idea of a university has to do with trying to get a degree by hook or crook means and go away, please this University is not for you and you are free to leave now. But hard work is all you need to succeed”. Speaking earlier, the Pro-Chancellor and chairman of the University council, Rev. Dr. John Onaiyekan said that the Catholic Church through the University would like to contribute their quota to uplift the standard of education in the country. Rev. Onaiyekan who was filled with joy said that the new era of private Universities in the country will help to quench the thirst of the teeming youths seeking to attain University education. He noted that, “by allowing private Universities, government has ushered in a new era in higher education in Nigeria, stressing that liberalization in the educational sector will lead to a greater efficiency in that area” He said that the school has capacity to take about 5000 students who will live in the campus as they do not have any room for off campus students, adding that they admit students outside the Catholic sect.