STEUBENVILLE, OHIO–Franciscan University of Steubenville signed a memorandum of understanding with Veritas University in Abuja, Nigeria, paving the way for a historic new partnership between the two Catholic schools.

The agreement, which promotes greater cooperation between Franciscan University and Veritas, is set to begin at the start of the 2024-2025 academic year. Through this collaboration, students at both schools will be presented with new opportunities for educational and spiritual development. These could include faculty and student exchanges, study abroad opportunities, collaborative research programs, seminars and workshops, and service programs, benefiting students of theology, nursing, computer science, business administration, and more.

Veritas University is the official university of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, so the agreement builds directly on the recently formalized relationship between the Nigerian bishops and the Franciscan University Catechetical Institute. Located in Nigeria’s capital city in the center of the country, Veritas University will also serve as a gateway for Franciscan University to establish closer relationships with Nigeria’s 60 vibrant dioceses.

“This agreement is a continuation of the growing relationship between Franciscan University and the Church in Nigeria,” said Stephen M. Rasche, JD, faculty fellow at Franciscan University and founding director of the University’s new Institute for Catholic Humanitarian Service (ICHS). “Out of this will come increased opportunity for Franciscan and its students and faculty for greater academic and spiritual solidarity and exchange with the vibrant Catholic churches in Africa.”

Dr. Stephen Hildebrand, vice president for Academic Affairs at Franciscan University, celebrated the signing of the document.

“This memorandum of understanding is a concrete expression of our desire to serve our brothers and sisters in Nigeria and to benefit, too, from the gifts that God has given them,” said Hildebrand. “The agreement is not so much a relationship of mutual advantage as it is one of mutual love.”

Hildebrand said the partnership “will profoundly affect our students to witness the faith and the suffering of our brothers and sisters in Nigeria” and that students at both schools “will learn a great deal from each other about their respective cultures and challenges; they will learn what it means to be a member of the body of Christ, the universal Church.”

Father Hyacinth Eme Ichoku, vice-chancellor at Veritas University, also expressed his gratitude and enthusiasm for the new agreement.

“In getting to know Franciscan University, the one thing that most set it apart for me is the authenticity of its Catholic spirituality,” said Father Eme Ichoku. “There is something very special in this regard at Franciscan, and I know that Veritas will benefit from learning more about the Franciscan experience.”

Click here for photos of the Veritas University and Franciscan University of Steubenville memorandum of understanding signing ceremony.