Vice-Chancellor of Veritas University, Abia State, Professor David I. Ker, has commended the Federal Government for attacking head-long the security issues in the state.

Prof Ker, who gave the commendation in his address at the Third matriculation ceremony of the university at the take-off campus in Obehie, Abia State, regretted that the unfortunate security situation in the state in 2010 led to the resignation of his predecessor in office and near demise of the university.

“As we can all see, the unfortunate events have affected this year’s intake, such that out of a total of ever 300 offers of admission, only 54 are matriculating today.

“We thank God that we have lived to tell the story and we thank the Federal Government for attacking head-long the security issues of the state,” he said.

He thanked the courageous officials of the university who stood in gap for the institution, saying their exemplary leadership gave other members of staff the courage to withstand the tough times and face the challenges head-on to ensure the university reopened.

Professor Ker noted that the matriculation ceremony was special as it was his first formal outing as the Vice-Chancellor of the University, adding that the occasion represented a renewal of hope for the university and a re-affirmation of all the commitment by the proprietors, the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, the management and the staff to the mission of the university.

He enjoined the matriculants to be devoted to their studies, as they begin to write their class of degree from their first lecture, first test scores and first continuous assessment results.

“While we, on our part, will strive to give you the qualitative education expected of a Catholic University and a University of the highest academic standing, your destiny is in your own hands,” Prof. Ker said.

He also charged the students to be of good behavior, obedient to the authorities, respectful to their teachers, and committed to excellence in all aspects of their personal and academic life. According to him, degrees will be awarded eventually, first in character, and in learning.

He said:  “The management of this university will hold you to your oath of good behavior and will continue to have zero tolerance for bad manners, cultism, examination malpractice and other social ills that have plagued our education landscape in recent memory.”