LAGOS, Nigeria(VOICE OF NAIJA)- Baptist Theological Seminary Kaduna has admitted its first Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) students since its establishment in 1948, alongside new students for several academic programmes introduced as part of the institution’s latest expansion.
The seminary marked the development during its matriculation service on Friday, where eight PhD students were formally admitted alongside students enrolled in postgraduate, undergraduate, diploma and certificate programmes.
The ceremony also witnessed the introduction of several programmes for the first time.
They include the Master of Philosophy, Bachelor of Church Music and Diploma in Women Leadership programmes.
In total, 175 students were admitted across the various programmes.
The new students comprise 71 Bachelor of Theology students, 29 Master of Theology students and 29 Master of Divinity students.
Others include 24 students in the Certificate in Women’s Institute programme, eight PhD students, five Bachelor of Religious Education students and three Diploma in Theology students.
READ ALSO: Tokunbo Wahab Slams Tunde Ednut Over Viral Mushin Waste Video
The seminary also admitted two Master of Philosophy students, two Bachelor of Church Music students and two students for the Diploma in Women Leadership programme.
Speaking at the event, the guest speaker, Prof. Ezekiel S. Akuso of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, highlighted the growing importance of Africa in global Christianity.
He told the new students that Africa is positioned to play a major role in the future of Christianity worldwide.
“Africa is now the future of global Christianity and your training in the Seminary matters a lot to carry out God’s plan for Africa,” Akuso said.
The university don also stressed the importance of integrity among ministers, particularly in handling finances and maintaining appropriate relationships.
“God’s Minister must be careful about financial handling as well as relationships especially with women to be able to plug into the plan of God on His mission to Africa,” he explained.
Akuso further urged the students to remain committed to prayer and the teaching of the Bible.
READ ALSO: Burna Boy Says His Band Helped Manny Meet His Wife
“A Minister of the Gospel must be prayerful and be a ready Preacher of the word of God in season and out of season with grounded knowledge of the word of God,” he added.
Notably, the matriculation was the first to be held under the leadership of the seminary’s new president, Dr. Babatunde Ogunlana.
Ogunlana assured the newly admitted students of a positive relationship between them and members of staff, saying the approach would reflect biblical principles.
He also disclosed that the seminary was updating its curriculum while improving its learning environment and providing better equipment for students.
The Registrar, Rev. Dr. Mrs. Mary Bakut, formally presented the students programme by programme during the ceremony.
The event marked a new chapter for the institution, which has trained ministers who have served in different Christian ministry positions in Nigeria and around the world.
Established in 1948, Baptist Theological Seminary Kaduna focuses on theological education and pastoral training for Christian ministry.
Its curriculum is designed to equip men and women with theological knowledge and ministerial skills needed to serve as messengers of the Gospel and contribute to the Great Commission of Jesus Christ.
