Engineering: Ichoku, Veritas varsity emerges winner of ATU innovation challenge award
The Vice-Chancellor of Veritas University, Prof. Hyacinth Ichoku has commended the Department of Software Engineering of the institution for emerging as the best in the African Telecommunication Union (ATU) innovation challenge.
Ichoku, who was speaking on the milestones of the university during a news conference in Abuja on Thursday, said the award received was to the tune of $20,000.
The Vice Chancellor said the university scaled through the competition after beating entries from 26 other universities in Africa.
He said the institution had been adopted by the African Development Bank (AfDB) as its Centre of Excellence for Computer Coding for employment in Nigeria.
Ichoku said that computer coding played a critical role in the modern economy hence its partnership with AfDB was a significant milestone to the university.
“Since our relocation to Abuja in 2014, Veritas University has made significant strides in various aspects of academic excellence and institutional development.
“Our commitment to providing quality education and moulding the holistic personality has been unwavering, leading to numerous accomplishments that have shaped the university’s reputation both nationally and internationally.
“One of our proudest achievements is our consistent focus on academic excellence. Our dedicated faculty members have engaged in cutting-edge research, published in reputable journals, and received prestigious awards for their contributions to knowledge,” he said.
Ichoku said the university’s academic programmes have been recognized for their quality and relevance in preparing students for the challenges of the modern world.
He said that the decision to collaborate with AfDB was a testament to the quality of education and innovation of the institution.
According to Ichoku Veritas is honored to be chosen as a partner in advancing computer coding for employment in Nigeria and indeed, in Africa.
He said the achievement not only reflects the caliber of students nurtured at Veritas University but also highlights its dedication to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship among the students.
“It is important for me also to point out that beyond the academic sphere, Veritas University won the All Nigerian Universities Debating Championship in April 2022 and went on to win the Pan-African University Debating Championship held in Nairobi, Kenya in December 2022.
“This has qualified her to represent Africa in the International Debating Contest in the United States of America in March 2024,” Ichoku said.
He urged innovators to come in and adopt the innovations in a quest to be able to translate innovations into reality, adding that the university would begin the prototype of the innovations in earnest.
Responding, the Head of the Software Engineering Department of the institution, Dr Emmanuel Mkpojiogu, said the institution made the feat due to consistent preparation of its students on cognitive skills.
Mkpojiogu said the students were exposed to hands-on and intensive practicals from the first year, as such this was able to prepare them for competitions both locally and internationally.
