By Felix Khanoba
The Catholic-owned Veritas University, Abuja, has advised newly graduated students of the institution not to over depend on degree certificate but to complement it with other relevant skills.
Vice Chancellor of the University, Rev. Fr. (Professor) Hyacinth Eme Ichoku, gave this charge during the eight convocation ceremony of the institution which took place in Abuja on Saturday.
The VC, who advised the graduates to prepare their minds on the challenges that lie ahead, expressed utmost belief that they would be able to overcome any obstacle in the job market.
He said: “Just as the challenges that lie out there are enormous, so also the opportunities. It is a big mistake to believe that because you now hold a degree certificate you are entitled to a job. It is also a big mistake to believe that your degree certificate is all you need to achieve your dream; no. You must acquire complementary skills.
“Your degree enables you to improvise, to seek and apply information, to perform tasks which you were not taught in the university.
“As you step into the world of work and join the ever growing Nigerian labour force, you must open your mind and eyes and seize the opportunities that come your way, right from the national service you must begin to shine your eyes. Make good use of the knowledge and ethics you have acquired in Veritas University.”
Also speaking at the event, which saw the graduation of 286 undergraduate students, out of which 25 bagged First Class degree, the visitor to the University and President, Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, Most Rev. Augustine Akubueze, commended the graduates for their various success stories.
On his part, Chancellor of the University and Archbishop of Abuja, Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, charged the graduates to be worthy ambassadors of the school and exhibit the high level of discipline and academic excellence learnt in the University.
Earlier in convocation lecture, former Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, called for proper economic management in the country to address the problem of rising poverty and unemployment.
He challenged the new graduates to ‘wear the gown’ of creativity as the nation looks up to them to reposition the country for better performance.
