By CSN Media
In a landmark ceremony, 207 staff members of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN) have graduated from the Catholic Social Teaching (CST) programme, earning a certificate from Veritas University, Abuja. The graduation ceremony, which took place on Friday, 21 March, 2025, marked a significant milestone in the lives of the graduates, who have been equipped with the knowledge and skills to promote justice, peace, and equality in society.
The Auxiliary Bishop of Minna Diocese, Most Rev. Sylvester Luka Gopep, who celebrated the Holy Mass of thanksgiving congratulated the graduates on their achievement, noting: “Today we celebrate a significant milestone in your life, we honour your dedication, we honour your commitment, we honour your determination and resilience to become public servants, to serve the common good.”
Bishop Gopep charged the graduates to use their knowledge and skills to make a positive impact in the world. “Your acquired knowledge is not for yourself, but for the service of society. As graduates of CST, you’ve been equipped with the knowledge and skills to impact positively in the world.”
The Director, Department of Church and Society, Rev. Fr. Peter Audu Babangida, expressed gratitude to the bishop, the Secretary General (SG) and to other partners, including the Catholic Relief Services (CRS) Nigeria, Veritas University of Nigeria Abuja (VUNA), and the Catholic Caritas Foundation of Nigeria (CCFN).
In his address, the Secretary General of the CSN, Rev. Fr. Michael Banjo, emphasised that the graduation ceremony was not just a celebration of academic achievement, but also a commissioning to serve the Church and society. “Today you walk away, not just with the certificate, but with a responsibility, to share the light in society and dispel darkness.”
The Country Representative of CRS, Mr. Akim Kikonda, advised the graduates to be transformed by the programme and to promote love, care, and compassion in their work.
The Episcopal Secretary for Migrants and Refugees Unit, CSN, Rev. Fr. Augustine Akhogba, as the coordinator of the CST programme, presented the graduands to the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic, Veritas University, Rev. Fr. Prof. Michael Sasa, who in turn formally admitted the candidates as graduates of Veritas University, Abuja.
The graduation ceremony was attended by dignitaries, including the Registrar of Veritas University, Dr. Mrs. Stella Okonkwo, and the Dean, Faculty of Theology, Veritas University, Rev. Fr. Shabayangย Barnabas.
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