In an address to the graduands of Veritas University during the school’s convocation ceremony, Bishop Matthew Kukah, the Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, offered advice to young Nigerians contemplating the popular trend of leaving the country, known as the “Japa syndrome.”
Bishop Kukah, who also serves as the Pro-chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Veritas University, acknowledged the desire of some youths to seek opportunities abroad.
He expressed a supportive stance, stating, “I encourage young people who want to leave Nigeria to please, feel free to leave. The country is big enough.” However, he coupled this encouragement with a prayer for the creation of the right environment, ensuring healthy competition between those who choose to leave and those who remain.
During his address, Bishop Kukah underscored the significance of intellectual understanding in bringing about positive change in the country.
He emphasized Veritas University’s role in shaping a new generation equipped with the intellectual prowess needed to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s development.
“We are Veritas University and will continue to inspire and shape the new generation so that the change we expect in our country is not the change we expect from politicians.
It is the change that will come with a big intellectual understanding of the complex nature of this country,” he articulated, setting the tone for the graduates’ responsibilities in nation-building.
Bishop Kukah urged the graduates to stay focused on their dreams, reminding them of the sacrifices they made and the importance of remembering their alma mater.
Addressing the teaching faculty, he emphasized their role as sources of inspiration and models for the students, noting that the alumni’s support and engagement would depend on the positive experiences they had at the university.
Sharing a personal experience, Bishop Kukah narrated an incident where a pilot showed him profound respect, emphasizing the unforeseen impact teachers can have on their students’ lives.
He encouraged teachers not to subscribe to the notion that their rewards are solely in heaven but to recognize and appreciate the tangible rewards on earth.
In recognizing the achievements of Veritas University under the leadership of Vice Chancellor Prof. Ichoku Hyacinth, Bishop Kukah called for the expansion of opportunities for universities, including Veritas, to contribute significantly to the nation’s education sector.
As he addressed parents and guardians, Bishop Kukah expressed gratitude for the sacrifices made and acknowledged the rising internally generated revenue without undue hardship.
He urged them to actively contribute to the university’s development, emphasizing the crucial role they play in expanding the frontier of knowledge through Veritas University.
In his comprehensive address, Bishop Kukah intertwined encouragement, prayers, and a call to action, fostering a sense of responsibility and hope among the graduates as they embark on new chapters in their lives.
The message resonated with themes of intellectual growth, national development, and the collective effort required to bring about positive change in Nigeria.
