Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja has appealed to the Federal Government to include faith-based institutions in its annual education budget.
Kaigama made the appeal at the Second Combined Matriculation Ceremony of Ave Maria University in Abuja on Saturday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the matriculation is: Faith-Based Educational Institutions and the Moral Upbringing of Youths in a Globalised World.
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Kaigama emphasised the contributions of faith-based institutions to the advancement of education in the country.
“Let us renew our commitment to faith-based education as a powerful tool for shaping a generation of morally upright, socially responsible, and intellectually sound individuals.
“Together, we can build a Nigeria where education is not just about success but about significance, a Nigeria where our youths emerge not only as professionals but as ethical leaders who uphold the dignity of humanity.
“I pray that the government will recognise the immense contributions of faith-based institutions and include them for some kind of funding in the annual budget for education in the country,” he said.
He added that in an era where material success often overshadows moral values, faith-based education ensures that youths are not only intellectually competent but also morally upright.
According to him, young people need to be rooted in certain core values and morality that will guide and shape their future.
He, therefore, emphasised the need to embrace technology, as the world has already moved towards technological advancement in reshaping the future.
Also speaking, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, the Emeritus Archbishop of Abuja Metropolitan Archdiocese, urged the students to embrace the character formation the university offers.
Onaiyekan advised the students that their character must be reflected in the quality of their academic work.
“I stress the fact that every university should have its own character. And we want to see in Ave Maria, a university with special emphasis, not only on academic excellence but also on very strong moral and character formation.
“There is therefore no excuse for not standing up for what is right. So stand up to the principles you have acquired in the course of your education,” he charged.
The institution’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Onimawo Akhakha, encouraged students to integrate faith into their academic pursuits, recognising that education without morality is incomplete.
“University education is more than just attending lectures and passing examinations; it is a holistic experience designed to develop the mind and refine personal character.
“A university serves as a hub of innovation, intellectual discourse, entrepreneurship, and self-discovery. In fact, it is a journey of self-reawakening and direction in one’s life,” he said.
He urged the students to set clear goals and aspirations for their journey through academic excellence, personal and spiritual growth, innovation, and critical thinking, among others.
NAN reports that no fewer than 200 students were matriculated into the Social and Management Sciences, Health Sciences, and Basic Sciences departments of the school. (NAN)
