Five students of Veritas University Abuja have made history as the first beneficiaries of a new international academic exchange arrangement between the institution and the University of Social and Media Culture in Torun in Poland.
The students departed Abuja on Wednesday to begin a semester-long study programme in Poland under the Erasmus Programme, the European Union’s flagship initiative designed to promote academic mobility and cross-cultural learning among universities around the world.
The exchange programme, which allows students and staff to study, train or work in partner institutions abroad for periods ranging from two to twelve months, also provides financial support covering travel and living expenses.
The Veritas students—two from the Department of Computer Science, two from Software Engineering and one from Mass Communication—travelled first to Warsaw before continuing their journey to Torun where the host university is located.
University officials say the initiative represents a major step in expanding Veritas University’s global academic partnerships and exposing its students to international learning environments.
Speaking during a brief send-off ceremony at the airport, the Head of the Directorate of Advancement and International Collaboration, Sr. Dr. Kathleen McGarvey OLA, reminded the students that they carry the reputation of both their university and Nigeria.
She congratulated them on emerging from what she described as a rigorous and transparent selection process, while urging them to demonstrate academic excellence and exemplary conduct throughout the programme.
McGarvey conveyed the goodwill of the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Hyacinth Ichoku, noting that the institution has high expectations of the students as pioneers of the exchange partnership.
According to her, their performance will determine how the collaboration between the two universities grows and whether more students will benefit from the opportunity in the future.
“You are ambassadors of Veritas University and indeed Nigeria,” she told the students. “Your conduct, dedication to your studies and ability to meet academic expectations will shape the future of this programme.”
Of the five participants, four are female students drawn from the departments of Software Engineering, Computer Science and Mass Communication, while the only male participant is from the Department of Computer Science.
University authorities say the exchange programme is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen international collaboration and equip students with global perspectives needed in an increasingly interconnected world.
Veritas University Students Break New Ground with Erasmus Exchange to Poland
