We have produced 30,000 graduates in 60years – Provost, ECWA Seminary, Igbaja …calls on FG to support private institutions through TETFUND

By  Olatunde Rufai

The ECWA Theological Seminary, Igbaja, has celebrated its 60th graduation ceremony, highlighting its remarkable achievements over the past six decades.

Speaking at the event, the Provost, Rev. Associate Professor Adetoyese John O., revealed that the faith-based institution has produced approximately 30,000 graduates since it began awarding degrees in 1987. He emphasized significant advancements in academics, infrastructure, and technological integration, including the introduction of online classes and renewable energy systems to support the seminary’s operations.

The Provost called on the federal and state governments to support private institutions like ECWA Seminary through initiatives such as TETFUND. He pointed out that the seminary, funded primarily by its owner, the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), has diversified its revenue sources but still faces financial challenges.

The Vice-President of ECWA, Rev. Dr. Stephen Sunday Ajise, representing the Visitor to the seminary, commended the institution’s progress and urged the management to strengthen collaborations with external stakeholders and expand its affiliations with other institutions. He emphasized the importance of collective leadership and engaging support from various quarters to ensure the seminary’s continued growth.

The ECWA Education Director, Professor Stephen Oluwarotimi Baba, added his voice to the many achievements of the Christian body, particularly in the education sector where he stated that the church is running a non-profit venture with all its institutions of learning starting from the nursery and primary schools up to the higher institutions.

The Education Director, implore the government to look into the law which founded TETFUND as a way of reviewing its mandate in order to accommodate private tertiary institutions in the country, saying this will go a long way in alleviating the financial burdens that comes with running of such institutions.

The outgoing Chairman of the Governing Council, Elder Chief Ayobola Samuel, highlighted infrastructural improvements during his tenure, including upgrading facilities, enhancing the library, and investing in solar energy solutions. He attributed the progress to the collaborative efforts of the board, management, and staff.

The event marked a celebration of ECWA Seminary’s legacy while setting a vision for greater advancements in academics, infrastructure, and partnerships.

Several individual were awarded degrees from first degree to masters, among they are a foremost Drama Minister and President of Victory Drama Group, Rev. Emmanuel Yemi Adepoju. Prizes were also giving to Best overall students, among other categories.