The matriculation ceremony of the Nigerian Baptist Theological Seminary for the 2025/2026 academic session took place on 18th August, 2025 in the multipurpose hall of the seminary. While the processional hymn was being sung, the members of the faculty marched to their sitting positions. The call to worship was taken by the Chaplain of the Nigerian Baptist Theological Seminary, Dr. Olaide Ajeigbe at exactly 10:00a.m.

The president of the NBTS, Rev. Prof. S. Ola Ayankeye, who was represented by the Deputy President Academics, Rev. Prof. Olusayo B. Oladejo welcomed principal officers of NBTS, their spouses, faculty members, staff, students; all matriculating seminarians and relatives who graced the event.  The wife of the guest speaker, Mrs Nike Ajani was also present and duly recognised and made welcome. The guest speaker at the occasion was Rev. Dr. Ezekiel O. A. Ajani, who was introduced by the Registrar, Rev. ’Segun Okunlola. The guest speaker spoke on the topic “Your Seminary Training, a Path to Fulfilling Divine Destiny.” He began with a note of appreciation to the Almighty God, the President and leadership of the institution. He mentioned that he does not have any regrets attending the Seminary. He noted that he has achieved all that he has because of his training in the Seminary.

Dr Ajani spoke to the matriculating seminarians on steps they could take to achieve good success. Drawing a lesson from the architecture of the chapel built above the library, he emphasised the importance of spiritual growth through personal and group devotion and prayer.  He said academic excellence comes by setting high goals and working diligently, cultivating good relationships with superiors, colleagues and subordinates. The big question was, “Will you be proud of your transcript in the years to come?”

Rev. Dr. Ajani identified eight types of people matriculating students will come across in life and during their training: faith builders, faith skeptics, faith negotiators, faith proclaimers, faith enthusiasts, faith seekers, faith transformers and faith killers. He stressed the need for them to be watchful and discerning regarding who to relate with (Matthew 12:16). The guest speaker gave a brief account of his stewardship after graduation, encouraging the new student pastors to ensure that they become alumni that the Seminary would be proud of in the future.

Dr Ajani rounded off his speech with nuggets for excellence and destiny fulfilment through the seminary training. These are: pursuit of intimacy with God first (Matthew 6:33), cultivating a teachable spirit (Prov. 9:10), living a life of integrity (Col. 3:23), building God honouring relationships (Prov. 27:17 & 2 Cor. 6:14), staying rooted in God’s Word and prayer (Psalm 119:105 & 1 Thessalonians 5:17), serving with a heart of humility (Mark 10:43-45), pursuing excellence in academics and not bearing grudges with anyone. He brought his speech to an end by praying for God’s renewed grace on the Seminary, and for seminarians to know their vocation, which is the purpose of their calling.

In addition to the welcome, and the graduation speech, there was singing, special prayers for matriculating students and other items on the programme. There were a number of Faculty members who officiated as well. Rev. Dr Olusola Fasipe (Head of Department, Musicology and Worship) was the song leader and Rev. Dr Samuel Auda (Dean, Faculty of Church Music), the keyboardist. Others on programme were the Chaplain (Rev. Dr Olaide Ajeigbe), and some of the institution’s instrumentalists and vocalists from the Faculty of Church Music. Notable among the three hymns sung was the traditional Seminary matriculation song ‘A Student’s Prayer’ by Paul Odger Davidson, sung to Austrian hymn tune.

Matriculating students signed the matriculation oath and submitted immediately. By the NBTS  Registry records, there were 239 students in all who completed requirements and were matriculated. They consisted of 44 at the Degree level, five at PGD level; 109 at MDiv level; 41 in all Masters programmes (MCM/MRE/MTH); seven MPhil matriculants and 33 at the level of PhD programmes. There was a recessional after the closing prayer and benediction, and photographs followed. The matriculation was indeed an interesting blend of spirituality, socialising and formal academic inclusion of new students into the system of the institution.

Abiodun James Bolaji (MDiv 1)

for NBTS Advancement Unit