The twenty-second edition of the International Theological Education Conference (ITEC) took place at the Nigerian Baptist Theological Seminary (NBTS) in Ogbomoso from March 3 to 6, 2025. Deliberating on the theme, “Theological Education & Peacemaking,” scholars, theologians, church leaders and theological education students gathered to explore the role of Theological Education in fostering global peace. The conference hymn, Brethren, Let Us Walk Together, reflected the heart of the gathering, a call to unity, understanding, and a deeper commitment to peace.

The conference featured a number of distinguished speakers. Prof. Johnson Asamoah-Gyadu from Ghana delivered the keynote address, while Prof. Stephen Ayankeye, President of NBTS Ogbomoso, served as the host of the conference. Day 1, Monday, March 3, was set aside for arrival and registration as participants settled in, ready for an intensive experience of theological discourse and learning.

The conference officially launched on Tuesday, March 4, with an opening ceremony presided over by Prof. Olusayo Oladejo. The conference hymn was sung, and the President presented his opening address

and remarks in which he welcomed participants, defined some relevant concepts, and made distinctions between peacemaking and peacekeeping, among other things. The Acting Doves of NBTS presented an interpretation of the theme through drama after commissioned papers by Dr Olayemi Akande,

who focused on peacemaking and Religious Education Strategies and Dr Timothy Amao,

who emphasised conflict resolution through music were presented. The afternoon session featured a third commissioned paper presented by Prof. Penine Uwambabazi from Rwanda. This was followed by plenary group sessions, where postgraduate students and attendees from other theological institutions presented papers. These sessions facilitated in-depth discussions and exchanges, bringing multiple perspectives to the theological dimensions of peacemaking.

By Wednesday, March 5, the conference had entered its most intensive phase. The day opened with small group presentations before transitioning into the main session, presided over by Prof. Olusola Ayo-Obiremi. The conference hymn interpretation was led by Dr Ayobami Ayanyinka, setting the tone for the keynote address by Prof. Johnson Asamoah-Gyadu, Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church of Ghana.

He underscored peace as a central promise of Jesus Christ and a fundamental identity of Christians. He stressed that those who follow Christ must make their presence felt in the world as peacemakers. He also highlighted theological education’s failure to prioritize our shared humanity as a major barrier to peacemaking. He called for universality, inclusiveness and true unity within Christian communities as he urged churches to move beyond division and embrace a broader, unifying vision of the faith.

The day’s engagements continued with a commissioned paper by Prof. Yaw Adu-Gyamfi, former president of Ghana Baptist University, an institution with strong academic ties to NBTS. Alongside commissioned papers and keynote sessions, participants took an active role in shaping the conversation. Thought-provoking questions and critical reflections from the audience sparked dynamic discussions. Presenters responded, addressing theological, ethical, and practical dimensions of peacemaking. The conference concluded with a closing ceremony presided over by Prof. Stephen Ayankeye, the Seminary President. The final session included a conference evaluation, the adoption of the communiqué worked upon by the communiqué committee, closing remarks and appreciation.

The ITEC 2025 Conference reinforced the urgency of integrating theological education with peace-building efforts. Theological institutions must not only teach but also lead in the pursuit of reconciliation. The discussions emphasized that theological education must move beyond the classroom and take an active role in shaping peace and reconciliation in communities, nations, and the world. Participants left with a renewed commitment to promote dialogue, equip leaders, and break barriers that divide communities of faith. The message was clear: theological education must be a tool for peace, and peace must be a mission for all who teach and preach the gospel.

So help us God!

By

Debo Odunlami

For NBTS Advancement Centre