Most Rev. Prof. Augustine Echema, Pro-Chancellor of Veritas University, Abuja, has urged the National Universities Commission (NUC) to adopt policies that create a more supportive regulatory environment for private universities across Nigeria. Speaking at the university's 15th convocation ceremony, where 1,178 students graduated with first degrees, Echema said private institutions play a critical role in expanding access to higher education, promoting innovation and producing skilled graduates for national development.
He, who also serves as Chairman of the university's Governing Council, appealed to the NUC and other regulatory bodies to streamline approval processes and provide the necessary policy support so that private universities can contribute more effectively to the country's educational development.
"Private universities play an irreplaceable role in expanding access to education and driving innovation. We earnestly appeal to the regulatory bodies, when formulating policies, to continue to create an enabling environment for private institutions such as Veritas University," he said.
The call comes amid growing recognition of the importance of private institutions in Nigeria's higher education landscape, which has expanded significantly over the past two decades.
Also speaking at the ceremony, Most Rev. Dr Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso, President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, urged the Federal Government to increase investment in tertiary education, including private institutions. He said Nigeria's growing population and rising demand for quality higher education require sustained government support, describing investment in young people's education as a shared national responsibility.
In his address, the Chancellor, Most Rev. Dr Ignatius Kaigama, urged the newly graduated students to become job creators, promote peaceful coexistence and uphold integrity in their professional careers.
Of the 1,178 first-degree graduates, 100 earned First Class honours, 526 graduated with Second Class Upper Division, 451 with Second Class Lower Division and 101 with Third Class degrees. The university also graduated 161 postgraduate diploma students, 134 master's degree recipients and 37 PhD candidates.