The matriculation service for the newly admitted modular (AKA Sandwich) students of The Nigerian Baptist Theological Seminary (NBTS), Ogbomoso held on Monday, 6th July 2026, at 10am in the NBTS Chapel. Students were matriculated for Postgraduate Diploma, Master of Arts, Master of Theology (Online), and doctoral programmes (both onsite and online). The event was attended by the Seminary principal officers, faculty members, students, and well-wishers from within and outside the seminary. After the piano prelude and processional, Rev. Dr Olaide Ajeigbe, the Chaplain, led in the ‘Call to Worship’, while Rev. Prof. Olusayo Oladejo led the invocatory prayer after the singing of the hymn ‘Come Thou Almighty King’.

The matriculation address was delivered by Rev. Dr Adebayo Afolaranmi of Lead City University, Ibadan, on the theme, “Why Are You Here?”, with 1 Kings 20:39 & 40 as the key scripture reference. The guest speaker highlighted three major emphases in his address. First, he warned against divided allegiance, stressing the need to balance the demands of ministry, theological education, and secular employment. He noted that understanding the purpose of one’s presence in the seminary would help students effectively prioritise their time and responsibilities. Second, he urged the students to keep their calling pure, reminding them that ministry should never be contaminated by personal ambition, but should remain centred on God’s call to the ministry of reconciliation. Third, he encouraged them to steward their vocation faithfully, emphasising that they are stewards of both their ministry and their occupations, and that their workplaces should be seen as opportunities for faithful service rather than distractions from their divine calling.

In terms of practical application, Rev. Dr Afolaranmi charged matriculants to build a weekly schedule and share it with their families and church leadership, establish healthy boundaries, clarify their working hours, pursue theological excellence, maximise the academic and spiritual resources available in the Seminary, and cultivate a spirit of generosity by sharing knowledge with others, rather than hoarding information. He also charged lecturers to understand and befriend the students who are ‘adults times two’. He concluded by reminding the students that effective ministry ultimately requires faithfulness in every area of life and service.

The Registrar, Rev. Olusegun A. Okunlola, presented the matriculating students to the President, Rev. Prof. S. Ola Ayankeye who gave pertinent remarks and welcomed the students to the community of faith, learning, discipline, restoration and service, among many other virtues.

Afterwards, the students took the matriculation commitment led by the President of the Seminary, Prof. Stephen Ola. Ayankeye. The ‘Student Prayer’ hymn was sung, as led by Dr Damaris Akande, the song leader of the day, as Dr Ayobami Ayanyinka, the pianist of the day, played the keyboard. Prof. Olusola Ayo-Obiremi, committed the community, matriculating students, their academic journey, family and their ministries into God’s hands through the dedicatory prayer. Commitment continued as all present sang ‘Take My Life and Let it Be’, followed by the prayer, benediction, recessional and photographs. Through the event, students received both verbal and visual reminders that Seminary training is serious business with God. To God be the glory!

Report by

Joseph Taiwo Amoo

for NBTS Advancement Centre