Vice-Chancellor, Rev. Prof. Hyacinth Ichoku, speaks in this interview about leading Veritas University through transformative growth, strengthening its Catholic and African identity, and preparing students to serve society with competence, character, and vision.

As Africa faces rapid social changes and increasing educational challenges, Veritas University is positioning itself as a model of holistic Catholic education rooted in African realities. In this comprehensive conversation, Rev. Prof. Hyacinth Ichoku shares his journey, the university’s development, and its changing mission.

Can you share your experience as the Vice-Chancellor of Veritas University.

Rev. Prof. Hyacinth Ichoku.

My name is Reverend Father Professor Hyacinth Ichoku. I am a professor of economics with a specialization in health economics.

Before I was appointed Vice-Chancellor of Veritas University in 2018, I served as a professor at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, where I also held positions as Director of Academic Planning and Director of the Institute of Maritime Studies. I earned my first degree in Economics from UNN, followed by my master’s and Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Cape Town in South Africa.

My journey has been exciting—marked by the joys and challenges of priesthood, academic life, and consultancy work for international development agencies, including the World Bank, WHO, EU, USAID, and UKAID.

When I was appointed Vice-Chancellor in 2018, Veritas University had just relocated from Obehie in Abia State to its permanent site in Abuja. I acknowledge with gratitude the work of my predecessor, Professor Michael Kwanashie, who undertook the significant task of relocating the university.

This transition marked a new beginning. My immediate challenges included increasing enrollment and expanding infrastructure to position Veritas as a competitive private university in Nigeria. Funding was a major obstacle, as contributions from the bishops became more difficult to secure. Meanwhile, we needed to build hostels, classrooms, roads, and other facilities.

To address this, we focused on increasing enrollment. We set up a committee led by Father Peter Paqua, whose work has been instrumental. When I arrived, the university had about 1,200 students. Today, we have over 7,000 undergraduate students—a remarkable transformation. Our team travelled across the country—from Calabar to Kano, Maiduguri to Lagos, Jos to Makurdi, Onitsha and beyond—raising awareness among parents and students.

As enrollment increased, we expanded facilities at the same rate. Between 2018 and 2025, we have constructed over 25 structures—hostels, classrooms, halls, sports facilities—and paved many internal roads. We are improving internet access so students can enjoy a modern learning experience.

Staff strength also needed to increase. We expanded from about 200 staff in 2018 to nearly 900 today—around 500 academic staff and 400 non-teaching. Since many of these staff transitioned from public institutions, it was crucial to orient them towards the university’s vision and core values.

Another important decision was our full-residential policy. All students reside on campus. This offers advantages for development, though it demands more supervision. It also reduces negative external influences and enables us to better instill the university’s values.

However, the competition has grown tougher. Nigeria now has about 309 universities—federal, state, and private—160 of which are private. Abuja alone hosts twelve. Convincing parents and prospective students to adopt our vision remains a significant challenge.

This brings us to identity. Veritas is also known as the Catholic University of Nigeria. What makes it truly Catholic, and authentically African?

Rev. Prof. Hyacinth Ichoku:

Your question has multiple parts. First, what defines Veritas Catholic? We proudly uphold the noble tradition of Catholic universities worldwide. This tradition focuses on forming both the soul and the body—intellectual, moral, and spiritual development. We care not only about academic excellence but also about the ethical and moral shaping of our students.

We currently have more than ten faculties, including Engineering, Law, Medicine, Pharmacy, and others. What sets us apart is the content that reflects our Catholic identity.

The social teachings of the Church are fundamental. All students are required to take courses in Catholic Social Teaching and Ethics. These principles influence our approach to professional formation across all disciplines—even in Engineering, Medicine, and Law.

In campus life, every student takes part in chapel activities. Sunday Mass is compulsory, and some weekday liturgical practices are also required. At the same time, Veritas University remains open to everyone—Muslims and Christians of all denominations. We encourage Muslims to attend Jumat prayers on Fridays and support all students in their spiritual growth. Many participate in Bible study and spiritual discussions in the hostels.

Holistic formation—intellectual, moral, and spiritual—is central to what makes us truly Catholic.

Many universities in Africa still function within a colonial framework, yet Africa is evolving. How is Veritas reimagining higher education to honour African wisdom, spirituality, and values?

Rev. Prof. Hyacinth Ichoku:

This is an important question. For us, Africanization is connected to relevance. Whether students study technology, law, mechanics, medicine, or any other field, the main question is: How does this address societal problems?

We encourage students to explore Nigerian and African issues in their projects. They work both individually and in groups, aiming to find practical solutions to real problems in their environment.

Our students construct water facilities and electrical installations in local communities. They also mentor young people in secondary schools. Additionally, they respond to emergencies—for instance, when flooding recently struck Mokwa in Niger State, our students contributed resources and supplied relief materials. They visit IDP camps and prisons to better understand societal realities.

Tree-planting is another example. Students proudly highlight the trees they have planted on campus and in nearby areas—demonstrating our commitment to environmental stewardship.

Entrepreneurship is also essential. Over 100 Veritas students have already launched companies—creating jobs for fellow students and others after graduation. We support them in pursuing their professional dreams from the start so they can make a meaningful impact.

Finally, what does the future hold between Saint Paul University and Veritas University?

Rev. Prof. Hyacinth Ichoku:

You cannot run a university in isolation. Veritas seeks collaboration not only with Catholic universities but also with institutions worldwide. We have visited the University of Toronto and now Saint Paul University in Ottawa, and we also engage with institutions like Franciscan University (Ohio), the University of Bologna, and others.

Our proposed collaboration with Saint Paul centres on theology, philosophy, canon law, and especially social innovation—areas vital to our mission.

The Dicastery for Catholic Education and Culture recently approved Veritas University to award ecclesiastical degrees in Philosophy and Theology. We are among the few African universities with this privilege. Saint Paul University has extensive experience in these fields. Staff exchange, student exchange, and shared formation are all available.

They will learn from our African experience; we will learn from their long tradition. My discussions with the President of Saint Paul University and his team have been productive, and we are eager to develop this partnership.

Thank you very much.

This Interview was first conducted and Published by VoiceAfrique, Otawa, Canada