Ecclesiastes Chapter 3 states there is a time for everything and a season for every activity under the heavens. For many people, June 6, 2026, was the time when their hard work for years yielded its reward, and their time to be celebrated, as The Nigerian Baptist Theological Seminary held her 127th graduation ceremony in the institution’s Multi Purpose hall.
Notable members of the Baptist denomination present included the Convention President, Rev. Dr Israel Adelani Akanji, the Vice-President Ministerial, Rev. Prof. John Eyinnaya, the Vice-President Administration and Human Resources, Deacon Dr Emmanuel Ubandoma, as well as several Directors of Departments and Conference Presidents. The event also recorded the presence of representatives of the traditional ruler of Ogbomoso land, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, Orumogege III.
The opening prayer was said by the Seminary Chaplain, Rev. Dr Olaide Ajeigbe, after which the Seminary President, Rev. Prof. Stephen O. Ayankeye, welcomed the guests. There was a special rendition by the Faculty of Church Music, after which the Convention President delivered his address. He titled his address ‘Polarities in the Mission Package’. He charged the graduands from Matthew chapter 10 and reminded them that God is sending them out into the world. He encouraged them not to let rejection weigh them down. After all, Jesus Himself was rejected, he stated. He also encouraged the graduands that the ministry is a combination of weaknesses and strengths. He encouraged them that no matter what they pass through, God is with them and has their backs.
After this address, there was another address delivered by the Council Chairman, Engineer Jude Jay Olotu, who commiserated with the Ogbomoso community on the recent experience of kidnapping, celebrated the outgoing and new Convention Presidents, and celebrated new milestones. Finally, he congratulated the graduands and prayed for the safe return of the kidnapped victims.
One of the unique events of the 127th graduation was the award of honorary doctorate degrees which was done by the President and other members of the seminary administration. The awardees were recognised and awarded for their various contributions to the Seminary, to theological education, and to the body of Christ in Nigeria, especially. They were: Dr. Tommy Olawuyi Oke, Mr. Adewale Abiodun Adeleye, Prof. Kassey Garba, Dr Ovie Fred Okotie, Deacon Surveyor Solomon Shekodape Baba (who was honoured for his bravery in negotiating the release of abducted students), Rev. Ekerete Obot Inyang and Dr. Mrs Seinye O.B. Lulu-Briggs (represented). Prof. Kassey Garba spoke on behalf of the honourees, expressing appreciation for the honour they received from the Seminary.
The programme continued with the awarding of degrees. Degrees awarded were from bachelor’s degree to doctoral level. Doctoral-level degrees consisted of the Doctor of Ministry, Doctor of Musical Arts, Doctor of Philosophy in Religious Education, and the Doctor of Philosophy in Theology degrees. The award of degrees continued with the award of the second batch of long-awaited degrees from the University of Jos.
After the degrees were awarded, there was a prayer for the graduands, and an address by the representative of the Alumni Fellowship. He led the graduands in a pledge of allegiance to the Alumni Association. There was a short praise session after which Rev. Prof. Ezekiel Adejuwon led in’ a prayer of thanksgiving. The closing prayer was said by the outgoing President of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, Rev Dr Israel Adelani Akanji. The Seminary Orchestra delivered a rendition of Handel’s Messiah, after which the Convention President led prayers for the kidnapped victims. The programme came to an end with the recession as the hymn Onward, Christian Soldiers’ was played by instrumentalists.
The Nigerian Baptist Theological Seminary congratulates all the graduands and awardees, prays for them, and wishes them the very best of God’s favour in their ministry and life’s endeavours. The recording of the 127th Graduation Ceremony is available here
EniOluwa Ojewunmi
for NBTS Advancement Centre
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