The facility, which is expected to be completed by January next year, is designed to serve as a centre for hands-on learning in technology, entrepreneurship, fashion design, music, creative arts and other areas of innovation.
The university said the initiative was conceived to ensure that students graduate with more than academic certificates, stressing that practical skills and problem-solving abilities have become essential in today’s competitive labour market.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony held at the university’s campus on Monday, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Hyacinth Ichoku, described the project as a major investment in preparing students for the realities of the modern economy.
The ceremony was performed by the Archbishop of the Abuja Catholic Diocese, Cardinal John Onaiyekan.
Ichoku said the hub would serve as a central platform where students from different academic backgrounds could discover, develop and apply their talents using modern tools and digital technologies.
“This is a massive project for us because it is supposed to be the melting pot for all manner of skills in the university. The structure will cost us N1.3 billion. Work has already started, and the contractor is expected to deliver it by the end of January.
“We want students with different talents to come here to develop and showcase their abilities. We are going to equip the centre with the best facilities we can afford because no student should pass through Veritas University without acquiring a skill,” he said.
The Vice-Chancellor noted that universities could no longer focus solely on awarding degrees but must also produce graduates capable of creating solutions, generating employment and responding to changing economic realities.
“In Veritas, we do not just give students certificates; we also equip them with skills. Skill is the key thing today. If you are a student today and you do not have a skill beyond your certificate, you are going to be in real serious trouble.
“It is not a case of finishing lectures and going back to sleep. Students will go to their creative hubs, work through the night if necessary, and develop solutions to real-life problems. Tomorrow belongs to people with skills,” Ichoku said.
Students to earn global technology certifications
Ichoku disclosed that the university had established partnerships with leading technology companies, including Cisco and Microsoft, to provide students with internationally recognised professional certifications before graduation.
He explained that the Skills and Innovation Hub would strengthen existing efforts by institutionalising practical training programmes already available at the university.
“In technology, for example, we provide Cisco and Microsoft training, and every student who passes through Veritas will be certified by Cisco and Microsoft. This building is meant to institutionalise what we are already doing,” he said.
According to him, the new facility would complement the university’s Innovation and Engineering Centre by providing students with the resources needed to transform ideas into practical solutions.
He added that the institution’s annual Skills Boot Week had also created opportunities for students to interact with experts, innovators and professionals from Nigeria, other African countries and the United Kingdom.
“It is not just about what you study in the classroom; it is about your passion. We have seen students studying Medicine, Nursing and other courses building remarkable technology solutions. Education today is also about discovering and developing your talents,” the Vice-Chancellor added.
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| Catholic Archbishop of Abuja Diocese, Cardinal John Onaiyekan alongside officials of Veritas University, Abuja at the groundbreaking ceremony. Photo: Deborah Tolu-Kolawole, |
The university chief urged Nigerian youths to focus on legitimate pathways such as skills development, entrepreneurship and innovation rather than seeking quick wealth through fraudulent activities.
He maintained that acquiring valuable skills remained one of the most sustainable ways for young people to build successful careers and contribute to national development.
Donor commits support for youth empowerment
The donor and philanthropist behind the project, Dr Josephat Okoye, said his decision to support the initiative was motivated by a desire to invest in the next generation of Nigerian leaders.
According to him, he identified Veritas University as an institution committed to developing young people and promoting values-driven education.
“What motivated me is what the good Lord has done for me over the years. I decided that we should continue to move forward, and I found in Veritas University a place where truth is in control. The students, staff and the Vice-Chancellor are doing fantastic work,” Okoye said.
He pledged continued support for the university’s vision, revealing that he had already committed more than N200 million towards the project.
“Whatever little I can contribute, with the help of God, I will do to help these young people achieve higher goals in life. These are the future leaders of our country,” he added.
Initiative targets Nigeria’s skills gap
The development comes at a time when graduate employability remains a major concern in Nigeria, with employers frequently highlighting gaps between university education and the practical abilities required in the workplace.
Although recent labour statistics show changes in unemployment figures under a revised measurement approach, youth unemployment and underemployment continue to pose challenges for many Nigerians entering the labour market.
In response, the Federal Government has increased focus on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), entrepreneurship programmes and digital skills development.
Education authorities have also encouraged universities to incorporate innovation, entrepreneurship and technology-driven learning into their programmes as part of broader reforms aimed at producing graduates who can create opportunities rather than depend solely on traditional employment.