The vice chancellor of Veritas University, Abuja, Reverend Father (Professor) Hyacinth Ichoku, said the university has commenced Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programmes in Economics and Political Science.

Prof Ichoku who stated this in Abuja Monday during a pre-inaugural lecture said the Catholic faith-owned university, which was established in 2008, has continued to witness rapid growth and development. He added that the inaugural lecture was a testament to the institution’s contribution to the academic community.

“This inaugural lecture also coincides with our progress because this year we are beginning PhD programmes in Economics and Political Science, and we are admitting for the first time in Veritas’ history candidates into the PhD programme,” he said.

He explained that they had already obtained the National Universities Commission (NUC) approval for the PhD programmes and that it was a sign that Veritas University was  coming of age.

Prof. Gabriel Bassey Egbe, who delivered the university’s maiden inaugural lecture, with the title, ‘Of New Englishes and New Literacies’, called on Nigeria to encourage the use of Nigerian English in the conduct of all its affairs. The Professor of English Language said: “Nigeria should start examining candidates for external examination in Nigerian English, the concept of native speakers of English is dead. All we need now is to have a standard for Nigerian English.” While noting that Nigerian English is not the same as Pidgin English, he said there is need for the country to do away with the belief that English Language is a colonial tool but instead develop appropriate literacy with the use of the language.