Veritas University Abuja has commenced the construction of a N1.3 billion Skills and Innovation Hub to equip students with practical, industry-relevant skills and improve their employability after graduation.
The facility, expected to be completed by January 2027, will provide hands-on training in technology, entrepreneurship, fashion design, creative arts, music and innovation, as part of the university’s strategy to produce graduates with both academic qualifications and practical competencies.
The groundbreaking ceremony, held on Monday at the university’s campus in Abuja, was performed by Cardinal John Onaiyekan.
Speaking at the event, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Hyacinth Ichoku, described the project as a strategic investment aimed at preparing students for the demands of the modern economy.
He said the centre would serve as a hub where students from different disciplines could develop and showcase their talents using modern facilities.
“This is a major investment because we want every student who passes through Veritas University to graduate with a practical skill in addition to a certificate. Today’s economy rewards competence, innovation and creativity,” he said.
Ichoku explained that the university had already partnered with global technology companies, including Cisco and Microsoft, to provide students with internationally recognised professional certifications before graduation.
He added that the institution also organises an annual Skills Boot Week, where industry experts from Nigeria and abroad mentor students in emerging technologies and entrepreneurship.
According to him, the new hub will complement the university’s Innovation and Engineering Centre by enabling students to transform ideas into practical solutions through advanced digital tools and collaborative learning.
The Vice-Chancellor urged young Nigerians to embrace skills acquisition and innovation instead of seeking quick wealth through fraudulent activities, stressing that practical knowledge remains critical to career success.
Also speaking, philanthropist and donor to the project, Dr Josephat Kanayo Okoye, said his support was driven by a desire to contribute to the development of future leaders through practical education.
He said he had already committed more than N200 million to the project and pledged continued support for the university’s vision of producing graduates equipped for leadership, innovation and national development.
Okoye said he chose to support Veritas University because of its commitment to combining academic excellence with practical skills development, expressing confidence that the institution would continue to contribute to Nigeria’s socio-economic growth.