Veritas University to Empower Students with Tech and Entrepreneurship Skills
A New Era of Skill Development at Veritas University Abuja
Veritas University Abuja has taken a bold step towards addressing the growing concerns of graduate unemployment and the widening skills gap in Nigeria. The university has launched a N1.3 billion Skills and Innovation Hub, designed to equip students with industry-relevant competencies and improve their employability after graduation. This initiative reflects a strategic shift in higher education, emphasizing practical skills alongside academic qualifications.
The facility, expected to be completed by January next year, will provide hands-on training in various fields such as technology, entrepreneurship, fashion design, music, creative arts, and innovation. The university is clear that academic degrees alone are no longer sufficient for success in today’s labor market. Instead, it aims to produce graduates who can create jobs and solve real-world problems.
During the project's ceremony, which was performed by the Archbishop of the Abuja Catholic Diocese, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Hyacinth Ichoku, described the hub as a strategic investment. He emphasized that the center will serve as the university’s main platform for practical learning, where students from different disciplines can develop and refine their talents using modern equipment and digital technologies.
A Comprehensive Approach to Education
Ichoku highlighted the importance of the Skills and Innovation Hub, calling it a "melting pot for all manner of skills" within the university. He noted that the structure will cost N1.3 billion, with work already underway and an expected completion date by the end of January. The goal is to ensure that every student who passes through Veritas University acquires a skill, regardless of their field of study.
He stressed that universities must move beyond awarding certificates to producing graduates with practical competencies that meet the demands of employers and the changing global economy. According to Ichoku, "Skill is the key thing today." If students do not have a skill beyond their certificate, they risk facing serious challenges in the job market.
The VC also mentioned that the university has partnered with global technology companies like Cisco and Microsoft to ensure students graduate with internationally recognized professional certifications alongside their academic degrees. This partnership aims to institutionalize the practical skills being developed within the university.
Expanding Opportunities for Students
In addition to the Skills and Innovation Hub, Veritas University has an Innovation and Engineering Centre that complements the new facility. This allows students across disciplines to transform ideas into practical solutions using advanced digital tools and innovation. The university also organizes an annual Skills Boot Week, bringing together experts, innovators, and professionals from Nigeria, other African countries, and the United Kingdom to mentor students.
Ichoku emphasized that education today is about discovering and developing talents, not just what is studied in the classroom. He shared examples of students studying Medicine, Nursing, and other courses who have built remarkable technology solutions, highlighting the importance of passion and creativity in learning.
A Call to Action for Nigerian Youths
The Vice-Chancellor urged Nigerian youths to reject the growing attraction to fraudulent means of making money, stressing that skills acquisition, innovation, and entrepreneurship remain the most sustainable routes to success. He encouraged students to take full advantage of the opportunities provided by the university to develop their talents and contribute to the country's growth.
Also speaking at the event, the project’s donor and philanthropist, Dr Josephat Okoye, shared his motivation for supporting the initiative. He expressed his desire to contribute to the development of future leaders, noting that he has already committed more than N200 million to the project. Okoye pledged continued support for the institution’s vision, stating that he believes these young people are the future leaders of the country.
Addressing National Challenges
The investment comes amid increasing concerns over graduate employability in Nigeria. According to the National Bureau of Statistics’ latest labor force data, while unemployment has moderated under the revised methodology, underemployment and youth joblessness remain significant challenges. Employers have consistently identified a mismatch between university education and the practical skills required in the workplace.
To address this gap, the Federal Government has intensified efforts to promote technical, vocational education, and entrepreneurship. The Ministry of Education has prioritized Technical and Vocational Education and Training, expanded skills acquisition initiatives, and encouraged universities to integrate innovation, digital literacy, and entrepreneurship into their curricula. These reforms aim to produce graduates who can drive economic growth and create jobs rather than depend solely on white-collar employment.
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