The Faculty of Education had an amazing time of fellowship during her welcome service for the new and returning students on Monday, 19th August, 2024, immediately after the matriculation ceremony. The event was graced by lecturers in the Faculty of Education and Education students of all levels (Women’s Training Certificate, Diploma in Women’s Ministry, Degree, Master of Divinity, Research Masters and the Doctoral programmes). The event was loaded with enlightening activities such as meeting one another, admonition, instructions, guidance, fellowship and food. After introduction of the Faculty and the students (both new and returning); the President of the Faculty of Education Students Fellowship (FESF), Pastor Damilola Olaiya welcomed all lecturers and students into the new academic session and the new semester.

Rev Dr Omolara Areo (Head of Department, Teacher Education), led our thoughts in the devotional charge as she shared insights from II Timothy 2:14-16. In the charge, she charged us to read books, relate with others, eat well, sleep well and read well but especially to do five things for this academic session. She stated that as ministers of the Gospel in training, we should seek for God’s approval. One of the ways to get God’s approval is to STUDY. This can be done through various means as we engage in the different activities in the seminary. Using the five fingers to represent each letter in the word “STUDY,” Dr Areo presented the acrostic below:

S– Seek Him (It is in seeking God that one can get the utmost approval).

T– Be teachable (Be open to learn and acquire more knowledge).

U– Uphold the truth of God’s Word (about things God has told you and He wants you to do, about your area of specialization, etc.).

D– Be diligent (Do things as and when due).

Y– Yield to Him (Do all God wants you to do and live for Him).

With the illustration of the different sizes in length of the fingers and the connection between the thumb and the pinkie, Dr Areo emphasized everything begins and ends in line with our relationship with God.

All faculty members present were given room to give a word of counsel for students to reflect on and walk with as they all navigate through their journey this session and beyond in the seminary. The order in this write up is in accordance with how they sat on the occasion as directed by the Master of Ceremony, Rev. Dr Olayemi Akande. Rev Dr Olalekan Fatiloro counseled that all “seek the truth, speak the truth and stand by the truth.” Ass. Prof. Gabriel Olaniyan reminded us that we are all here to learn. Rev Dr Oluwafemi Amoran said “know yourself and work by the dictates you have received from God”. Dr Femi Ishola’s counsel was “plan yourself and pray”. Rev. Dr Oluseyi Ejikunle admonished us to do all things as to the Lord. Rev Dr Edward Nnanna (the Coordinator of the Master of Divinity Programme who was with the Education Faculty on the day), enunciated that “you are first a Christian before you become a pastor”. Rev. Ruth Okunade’s counsel was that we “build capacity”- spiritual,social, physical and academic capacity. Rev Precious Oyebanji said “keep your hopes high” and do all with the fear of God. Dr Samuel Akintade instructed us to be heaven focused and Dr Evelyn Olusanya said “don’t be a lone ranger, work as a team”. Mrs Dorcas Olaleye said “Always remember the One who has called you; do all to please Him and be disciplined”.

Rev. Dr Amuda urged us not to procrastinate, to encourage ourselves and to have an accountability partner. Rev Dr Omolara Areo (Head of Department (HOD) Teacher Education), implored us to keep our heads and face what we are here for. Rev Dr Ruth Oyeniyi (Dean of the Faculty of Education and HOD, Age Grade and Family Education) reiterated over again that “we are all writing history and making history. History doesn’t forget and it doesn’t forgive”. Thus, we must be careful how we live. Rev Dr Oladele Olabode ( HOD, Church Administration and Leadership), reminded us to note that we are on our own. Rev. Prof. Olusola Ayo-Obiremi (Deputy President Advancement) implored us that in addition to all that has been said; we should be humble and take notes. To wrap  up the ‘counsel of elders’ from Faculty members; Dr Olayemi Akande urged us not to make enemies, to ‘shut down properly’ in all that we do and to ‘travel light’.

Beyond the time of counsels and admonition, there were instructions for all from the Dean and some other officers on the Academic and Administrative matters students must note. The Dean, Dr Ruth Oyeniyi laid emphasis on the need to process information through the right channel of HOD to Dean while involving the Faculty Adviser as well. She also emphasised seminary official wear as a form of awareness for both the new and returning students. For the males, “a white long sleeve shirt with a red tie and a black or navy blue suit and trousers” while for the female “a white camisole, a black or navy blue suit and skirt and a red hat” are the required official uniform.

Speaking on ‘You and your Catalogue,’Dr Ejikunle educated us on the importance of the Catalogue and where to get copies – on NBTS Website and in the Library especially. On ‘You and your Assignments’, Dr Oluwafemi Amoran (Actg Director of Publishing Unit) admonished us to do our assignments as assigned, remembering that they are mandatory! He explained that Seminary assignments are structured, require faithfulness, are important, and time bound. He also gave the following guidelines

1. Do not assume. Ask questions when you do not understand.
2. Schedule your assignments by yourself in order of submission date. Do not wait for a convenient time.There will never be one.
3. Put testaments of assignments before you. Keep them in mind as you go everywhere.
4. Do the assignments well.

In addition to the fellowship, counsel, instructions and interaction with one another; there were prayers offered for all. Dr Oladele Olabode prayed for all students while Ass. Prof. Gabriel Olaniyan prayed for the Faculty of Education and NBTS. The occasion ended with announcements and food fellowship as both faculty and students were served with refreshments and we left happy, equipped and recharged for the session ahead of us.

NB: It is noteworthy that the Post graduate students also had to wait for a special dose of instruction peculiar to them while undergraduates proceeded to the Multiple Purpose Hall to meet with the Supervised Ministry Experience Coordinator. We praise God for this solid foundation and look forward to a beautiful, productive session ahead as we STUDY.

By Ayomide Mayekogbon, MDiv RE 3 for Advancement Office, NBTS