By Stanley Ihedigbo, Lagos
The Methodist Theological Institute in Sagamu, Ogun state has matriculated 29 students admitted for bachelor and master degrees in the 2022/2023 academic session.
The Rector, Very Rev. Dr. Raphael Akhijemen Idialu during the Matriculation on Sunday, students are made up of 13 for Bachelor of Theology (B.Th); nine for Master of Divinity (M.Div) and seven Master of Theology (M.Th).
He congratulated the matriculants, and their parents, stating that the decision by the students to choose the institute was not a mistake as “MTI has what it takes to make them great people after studies”.
He explained that “matriculation ceremony is significant because it provides the matriculants the opportunity to pledge their allegiance, loyalty, commitment, fidelity, trustworthiness, devotion, dependability, faithfulness and conformity to the authority of the Institution through the administration of the Matriculation Oath wherein they affirm their readiness to be of good behaviour and to subject themselves to the authority of all to whom authority has been vested in the Institution.
“My dear brethren in Christ, especially those of you matriculating into the Full Time Ministry, I must attest to the fact that you have accomplished a great deal to arrive here today. I remember the many calls from some of you, the phone calls for enquiries and other forms of assistance you sought prior to you admission into this school; they have all paid off beautifully well now. Through your hard work, drive, determination, grit, fortitude, perseverance, and doggedness, you have gained admission to a reputable seminary in Nigeria.
“I therefore congratulate you for this enviable and privileged favour bestowed upon you by God at a time like this when the church is even cutting back on the admission of Full Time ministerial candidates into the ministry. Gone are the days when we used to have between 25 and 40 or more students in a class in this school. But today, that has become history. As you formally acquire your studentship status, and by the same token officially start your ministerial vocation, I admonish you to stay focused and realise that in front of you lay tremendous opportunities and experiences that will define your seminary experience and set you on the path of your vocational and personal life. Indeed, to a large extent, these opportunities and experiences will determine the direction of the rest of your life.
“In Methodist Theological Institute, Sagamu we pride ourselves in not only training students in academic work, but also in character and spiritual formation, so that upon graduation the student will be fully ready to be a responsible minister and leader who will contribute to church and national development in a patriotic and result-oriented manner. So, I recommend that you emulate the example of your mentors and teachers in self-control, love, dedication, commitment, discipline, good mode of dressing, fidelity to your studies and work, and general comportment, so that you will not be found wanting at any time.
“Let me also reiterate the fact that your future is in your hands and that it is really up to you to succeed in making it or failing to fulfill your ministry,” he admonished.
The Rector advised that students who do not have a vision and a dream of what they want to achieve in life and ministry are like a boat without a direction in turbulent waters.
“So, even though your vision might not be very clear at the moment, but make sure you have a direction, and that you are sure of your direction. I encourage you therefore to strive for spiritual and academic excellence. These two expectations are double imperatives that are not discretional or optional. You will be on your way to achieving excellence if you are able to strike the right balance between your academics, spiritual formation, extra curricula activities and social life. You should carefully apportion the amount of time you spend on your studies, spiritual development, social engagements and social media.
“You must develop skills in communication, interpersonal relationship, critical thinking and be analytical, and learn how to question received information in a refined manner. There is nothing wrong with being spiritual. In fact, you are expected to excel spiritually while here. However, do not let spirituality become an excuse for not engaging your mind intellectually. In fact, you must enhance and develop your Intelligent Quotient ranking before you graduate from this school. I will encourage you to be more open-minded and welcome new insights and revelations that come from research and reflections, and invest in intentionally developing your IQ.
“We, as your teachers, mentors and advisors, shall be available to guide you, so long as you are willing to be guided. We will give you all the necessary support, but only if you use the legitimate means to seek such support. Remember to take time to read official notices especially on the different WhatsApp platforms of the school and pay attention to the Institute’s rules and regulations. This is very important. So, get phones that are compliant with WhatsApp and other communication platforms. These will guide you and help you to make the right decisions regarding your time here. I urge you to make a difference while you are here, leave a mark that could be emulated, always strive to do what is good and make this Institution a better and more peaceful place than you met it.
“For my brothers who are doing the Master of Theology programme, you are already trained as ministers, but here for your academic development, so this must not be your last bus stop. There is still so much that lies ahead of you. I encourage you therefore to make the best use of our rich library for your studies. The world and the Church expect so much from you, and you cannot afford to disappoint yourself, your family, the Church and God. As eventual holders of Master of Theology certificates, and as God helps you, you are expected to be up to the task in the face of the current socioeconomic, religio-cultural and other realities that the world and members of the Church grapple with in a time like this; a time of extreme hardship, corruption, insecurity and the likes. Begin to reflect and develop yourselves on the act of writing and publishing of articles in reputable Journals. The Church and the world expect to see how you would deploy your sound theological minds in tackling issues of life and in the society,” he stated.
