May 4, 2026 was a day of celebration and rejoicing as the Nigerian Baptist Theological Seminary celebrated the Founder’s Day Service in the Multipurpose Hall of the Institution. The programme began at 10 am as Rev. Dr Olaide Ajeigbe, the Chaplain, led in the Call to Worship and Opening Prayer. The President Rev. Prof. S. Ola Ayankeye, who presided over the programme, gave a welcome address. After the introduction of the speaker of the day by the Registrar, Rev. Olusegun Okunlola; Rev. Prof. Emiola E. Nihinlola, erstwhile President of NBTS addressed the Congregation from historical, biblical and theological standpoints.

In the Founders Day address, Prof. Nihinlola explained that while May 3, 1848 is referred to as the Founder’s day, ‘Preachers class’ had begun before then. First degrees were awarded in 1948 – two years before University of Ibadan, thus authenticating NBTS as the first ever degree awarding institution in Nigeria. Scripture references mentioned in his address included Psalm 78: 4 & 6; Jude 3 & 12 and 2 Thessalonians 2:13 – 17. Prof. Nihinlola urged the congregation to be concerned for the next generation, to contend for the faith, lest the next generation suffer; and to be loyal to the faith and to biblical revelation. Like Paul, he pleaded that the NBTS family should not forget teachings and traditions handed down to them. He said many other things of note and encouragement and prayed for the institution and the Seminary family.

The second part of the programme was a time of recognition and appreciation of staff who had retired in 2025. The trio of the President, Prof. S. Ola Ayankeye, the Registrar, Rev. Olusegun Okunlola and the Acting Director of Commercial Services, Rev. ’Soji Ojo recognized and appreciated the retirees on behalf o f the Seminary community. The recognized and appreciated individuals were 21 in all: 12 males and nine females. They ranged from ground crew level workers to those who had served as teachers in Ancillary education and senior staff. Their years of service in the Seminary community ranged from 10 to 25 years. While some retired based on age or years of service, there were others appreciated for their services who had moved on to other areas of work and service. Their profiles were read and they were appreciated with gifts in cash and kind.

Family, friends and well wishers had the opportunity to rejoice with them during the period of praises sung by the members of Faculty of Church Music and Thanksgiving led by Prof. Olusola O. Ayo-Obiremi, the Deputy President (DP) Advancement. The DP Academics, Prof. Olusayo B. Oladejo prayed for the retirees while the DP Administration, Rev. Dr Gabriel A. Oyeniyi led the prayer of thanksgiving. Music was not missing out, as Rev. Dr ’Sola Fasipe led in the singing of the hymns ‘Great is Thy Faithfulness’ and ‘To God be the Glory’ while the Choral Ensemble sang a special number. After the Closing Prayer and Benediction said by the President, Prof. S. Ola Ayankeye; the retirees took photographs with officiating ministers and other dignitaries present like Pastor Mrs Susan O. Ayankeye and Dcns Eunice T. Nihinlola. The day was indeed one of rejoicing and thanksgiving and NBTS continues to give thanks to God for the grace of improvement as the years roll by.

Report by

Olusola Ayo-Obiremi,

Deputy President Advancement.