The atmosphere and the aura of the Nigerian Baptist Theological Seminary (NBTS) community in Ogbomoso Nigeria was ecstatic on Monday, August 12, 2024 as staff and students alike were in high spirits. It was the day which marked the beginning of the NBTS 2024/2025 academic session for residential students.  The energy and passion exhibited by individuals towards their personal goals and aspirations seemed contagious as they launched with this passion into the first week scheduled for the orientation of new students. The orientation week was packed with many activities which the newly admitted students found refreshing and inspiring. This write-up provides a synopsis of the days of the week.

Monday & Tuesday: Arrival, Campus Tour and Academic Orientation

The arrival of students on campus was the main activity scheduled for Monday 12th August, 2024.  On the beautiful morning of Tuesday 13th August at exactly 9:00 am, fresh students converged in the Alumni Multipurpose Hall for a briefing by Registrar of the NBTS in person of Rev. Dr. Dele Oluwole. He welcomed new students to the seminary and gave them key insights into what to expect and what is expected of them. After that, Rev. Prof. Olusayo Oladejo, the Deputy President (Academics) took to the podium to welcome the new students. He encouraged them to do the needful in every way. In his address, Rev. Prof. Oladejo gave the new students a glimpse of what lies ahead of them in the seminary. Furthermore, he encouraged them to be resilient and determined to achieve their goals.

In the later part of the morning, the orientation on Online Course Registration took place.  The Online Education Officer, Rev. Olakunle Ayeni, alongside the ICT coordinator, Mr ’Wale Adedokun took the students through the nitty-gritty of the NBTS digital platforms and workspace. The afternoon session began with a tour of premises led by the Advancement Officer, Rev. ’Seyi Ojelade, after fresh students had assembled in front of the NBTS President’s office. It was a wonderful moment of sightseeing as fresh students admired the natural, safe and relaxed ambiance of the NBTS campus.

In the later part of the afternoon, the Academic Orientation for Post Graduate (PG) students and Library Orientation for Degree Students were held simultaneously. A general overview of the academic work was presented to the PG students. The structure, workload, and expected grades for graduation are some of the key points highlighted. Meanwhile, the Librarian and the library staff took the degree students around the library, and provided insight into the huge resources available to enhance their learning and development.

Wednesday and Thursday: General Assembly, and Academic Orientation Continued

The orientation programme continued on the cool morning of Wednesday, August 14th, 2024. The day started with moderate showers of rain, but not strong enough to delay the General Assembly which began at 10.00 am as scheduled. At this time, most officers of the seminary were on site, exceptions being the few who were away on official duty. The General Assembly started in an atmosphere of worship and prayers before the NBTS President, Rev. Prof. Stephen Ayankeye took to the podium to welcome staff and students to the 2024/2025 academic session.

The President encouraged the new students to desist from polluting the untainted community of the NBTS. He urged the new staff and students to follow that which is excellent and build upon existing standards. Rev. Prof. Stephen Ayankeye allowed the new students to share their experiences on the NBTS campus and permitted them to ask questions. (Please take some time off to read the separate write up with fuller details on the event of the first General Assembly of the session for residential students).

Wednesday afternoon was set apart for Academic Orientation for all new students. During the session, issues relating to record-keeping were ironed out by the Exams and Records Officer, Mrs Victoria Akerele. She accentuated the importance of name arrangements for academic and administrative purposes.  The latter part of the day was scheduled for Library Orientation for the M.Div. and Music students in the seminary library and in Music Room 9 respectively.

The morning of Thursday, August 15 came with new excitement as matriculating students began the collection of academic gowns in preparation for the matriculation ceremony. The chapel was filled with both fresh and some returning students alike. The day’s activities started in an atmosphere of worship, praises and prayers led by the Student Body President, Rev. Akusa Danlami Gajere. The Student Body President welcomed every student (back) to school. He then gave instructions for the collection of academic gowns by the intending matriculants.

At noon, students met in the NBTS multipurpose hall with the Director of Student Affairs, Dr Mrs Esther Viyon Odunlami. It  was another refreshing moment for the students as the Director shared some tips and key insight on how to thrive as a student of NBTS. She encouraged the students to gather up according to their departments and to appoint a class representative for each department and level. Another key event that took place later in the afternoon held in the Women’s Training Centre (WTC) Chapel where the WTC new students met with the WTC Supervisor, Rev. Dr Mrs Esther O. Adejuwon.

Friday and Saturday: Breath-Catching, Short Meeting and Town Tour

Friday was a free day to an extent; it was like a brief rest to catch the breath in preparation for other events ahead. The day’s recess provided an opportunity for the Advancement office under the Deputy President Advancement to hold a meeting of fellowship, ‘meet and greet’ and clarification of focus with staff and the new volunteers who had indicated willingness to join in what God is doing through NBTS social media handles and in the Centre. It was a time of getting to know one another and to understand the assignment better. It was true fun, fellowship and learning. Present were: a representative of returning volunteers, three of the new volunteers, the Advancement Officer, the Web and Portal Officer, Mrs Oludayo Ipadeola and the Deputy President Advancement herself, Prof. Olusola Ayo-Obiremi.

Saturday, August 17 marked the last day of the full Orientation Week; the week of August 19 to 24 having been slated for continuation of orientation and beginning of classes.  Saturday was scheduled for the familiarization tour of Ogbomoso land. Interested students and non-Ogbomoso indigents gathered in front of NBTS President’s office by noon. At exactly 10 minutes past noon, the bus conveying the students started its journey towards the central part of Ogbomoso land.

The tour was led by Rev. Seyi Ojelade, the Advancement Officer, who highlighted the need for the tour. He pointed out many important and historical places to the students. Among such places are: the First Baptist Church in Ogbomoso which is the First Baptist Church Oke’lerin, the king (Soun) of Ogbomoso’s Palace, the Nigerian Electric Power Authority step-down system, the Correctional Centre, and Kersey Children’s Home.

The tour also included visits to Parrot FM Radio station, the Leprosy Center and Ladoke Akintola University of Technology campus among other beautiful places. At the end of the tour, many students concluded that Ogbomoso is a town with a peaceful and safe environment.

The students left in high spirits with anticipation and preparation for a memorable and unique matriculation ceremony come Monday, August 19, 2024 As the level of excitement continues to grow among the fresh students, many who have been to secular academic institutions have kept wondering whether they are experiencing orientation or induction.

By Simon Abolaji

For NBTS Advancement Centre