By Boluwatife Oparinde
Being one of the leading theological institutions in Nigeria coupled with an apt systematic curriculum on Biblical and Theological Studies, the Christ Apostolic Church Theological Seminary (CACTS) Main Campus, Ile Ife has demonstrated a high class of academic proceedings at the Grand finale of the just concluded 41st Convocation Ceremonies.
With high spirits and massive attendance of guests, the grand finale ceremony for the conferment of Certificate, Diploma, and Bachelor's Degree of Theology, held on Friday, 25th November 2022 at the Campus Auditorium, CACTS, Opa, Ile Ife, Osun State.
In his Convocation Address, the Provost of the Seminary, Pastor Professor Christopher Olubunmi Oshun, related that "an overall total number of one hundred and sixty-nine (169) successful candidates are graduating today in the Main Campus. This number comprises 131 graduands from the Main Campus and 38 graduands from the debuting Daniel Orekoya College of Theology (DOCOT) Study Centre, Pafinrinfinrin, Edu, via Agbara-Lusada axes, Ogun State. These successful candidates have been found worthy both in character and learning and will be graduating."
Speaking on academic affiliations, Prof. Oshun had expressed excitement about the affiliation with Joseph Ayo Babalola University (JABU) and the approval of "the Church Authorities to hold current affiliations with the Main Campus of the Seminary as study centres, with the ultimate aim of becoming autonomous satellite campuses in the future, subject to the provisions in the approved policy guidelines of the institution: The Abeokuta Study Centre; Michael Olowere College of Theology (MOCOT), Ashi, Ibadan; Daniel Orekoya College of Theology (DOCOT), Edu; The Gambia Study Centre; and The Vote D'Ivoire Study Centre."
He continued that, "the following new academic programmes were approved during the 2021/2022 session for commencement in October 2022, at the start of the 2022/2023 session: B.Th (Executive) domiciled in the Idimu Campus, Lagos; B. A. Bible Translation domiciled in the Main Campus Ile Ife; M. A. Bible Translation domiciled in the Main Campus, Ile Ife and M. Th (Theology) domiciled in the Main Campus, Ile Ife."
Pastor Oshun charged the graduands to be worthy ambassadors of Jesus Christ and to bear true allegiance to Him in all situations as they leave the Seminary to the wider world in pursuit of their God-given mission in life.
"In addition, you are to be a true ambassador, an alumnus of the Seminary. Let this charge serve as a constant reminder to you of your noble calling, training, and commission. The proof of the pudding, they say, is in the eating. Or as Jesus says of His would-be disciples or followers, and this holds good in any situation, age, or place, "by their fruits you shall know them." Prove your calling, training, and commission, therefore, in your conduct so that men may see Christ live in you and give God the glory," he said.
In a similar vein, the Chairman, CACTS Governing Council, Pastor Dr. G. S. Dada, in his address charged the graduating students not to lose sight of the "privileged position you have been given to serve God and the body of Christ who is also God's anointed because they are in Christ - in the knowledge that your actions or inaction must first and foremost be pleasing to Him who has called you - to be God pleasers and not men-pleasers."
"In the New Testament, one of the words constantly used to describe Christian leaders is 'steward'. A steward can be likened to a chief housekeeper. A Christian leader is, therefore, a chief housekeeper who ensures that other servants manage the master's assets and projects with due diligence," he said.
Urging his audience on such disciplines as spiritual accountability, personal accountability, and submission to the discipline of accountability in the ministry, Pastor Dada stated, "God may not be as impressed with your ability to speak big English and give long-winded sermons full of fire on the pulpit as your ability to practice what you have learned. Let's remember that it was Jesus' obedience, His compassion, and His love that God was impressed with."
The Convocation Ceremony also featured Goodwill messages from invited Vice Chancellors and Provosts, music ministrations by the CACTS Choir and Christian Music Department, admission of the graduands to various programmes, dedicatory prayer for the graduands, donations towards the development of the Seminary and awards to best students.
In attendance at the Convocation Ceremony were, the Pro-Chancellor of JABU, Professor A.M.A Imevbore, and his entourage; Vice-Chancellor of JABU, Professor David Fakolujo; the former Provost of CACTS, Professor S.O.A Afolabi; Pastor J. Makinwa; Coordinator of CACTS BSPE, Dr. Toyin Fashina; Wife of the General Evangelist, Mrs. Oladeji; Wife of Essien Regional Superintendent, Mrs. Eyebiokin; spouses of the Seminary Staff, among others.
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