The Catholic archbishop of Abuja, Ignatius Kaigama, has appealed to the federal government to include faith-based institutions in its annual education budget.

“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,” Mr Kaigama said on Saturday at the second combined matriculation ceremony of Ave Maria University in Abuja.

The theme of the matriculation is “Faith-Based Educational Institutions and the Moral Upbringing of Youths in a Globalised World.”

Mr 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,” the cleric said.

He added that in an era where material success often overshadows moral values, faith-based education ensures youths are intellectually competent and 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.

Cardinal John Onaiyekan, the Emeritus Archbishop of Abuja Metropolitan Archdiocese, also urged the students to embrace the character formation the university offers.

Mr Onaiyekan advised the students that their character must be reflected in the quality of their academic work.

The institution’s vice-chancellor, Onimawo Akhakha, encouraged students to integrate faith into their academic pursuits, recognising that education without morality is incomplete.

(NAN)