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TACN Theological Seminary Expands Reach with Abuja Study Centre Inauguration

Published

4 months ago

June 3, 2026

…. Matriculates Pioneer Students-

By Joel Ajayi

The Apostolic Church Nigeria LAWNA Theological Seminary (LATS), Jos, Plateau State, on Monday officially matriculated the pioneer set of students for its newly established Abuja Study Centre, marking a significant milestone in the Church’s commitment to leadership development and ministerial excellence.

The maiden matriculation ceremony, which welcomed the inaugural cohort of 24 students, was held at The Apostolic Church Nigeria, Abuja FCT Area Headquarters, Conference Hall, Durumi District, Abuja.

Speaking during the ceremony, the Provost of the Seminary, Associate Professor Pastor E.O. Olowoyeye, described the event as a historic and strategic step toward strengthening capacity of church officers and ministerial staff of the Church. He said the establishment of the Abuja Study Centre reflects the Church’s deliberate commitment to equipping officers with sound theological knowledge, leadership competence, and spiritual maturity for more effective service.

According to the Provost, the Centre was “specifically created to train Church Officers and students enrolled in the Church Ministry and Leadership Programme, providing a structured training curriculum for Elders, Deacons, Deaconesses, and other interested church leaders, to deepen their biblical understanding and leadership capacity while actively discharging their ministerial duties.”

Pastor Olowoyeye stressed that the Centre operates under the full academic authority, curriculum structure, and spiritual ethos of LAWNA Theological Seminary, Jos, maintaining the same standards of discipline, evaluation, and certification as the main campus in Plateau State.

He noted that the training programme integrates theological scholarship, practical ministry formation, leadership development, and ethical discipline, while emphasizing that “effective ministry requires both spiritual anointing and intellectual responsibility.”

The Provost expressed appreciation to the leadership of The Apostolic Church Nigeria, the LAWNA Territory, members of the Seminary Board, and the Abuja FCT Area, for their vision, support, and commitment toward the successful establishment of the Study Centre.

Addressing the matriculating students, he further urged them to “approach their studies with dedication, humility, discipline, and seriousness, noting that the objective of the programme extends beyond certificate acquisition to character formation and effective ministry service.”

Quoting 2 Timothy 2:15, Pastor Olowoyeye encouraged the students to remain committed to diligent study and faithful service in God’s vineyard.He expressed optimism that Abuja Study Centre would become a leading institution for Church Officers training, contributing significantly to stronger leadership structures, enhanced ministerial effectiveness, sound doctrine, and ethical leadership across the region.

Responding on behalf of other Matriculating Students, the Class Governor, Elder Engr. Ayodele Abe, pledged the cooperation and support of all Students with the Seminary Authorities and Church Leadership. While recommending similar course/training for intending Officers of the Church and interested Publics, he promised that he and his colleagues would be change agents of positive transformation and an advocate of the Seminary invaluable services.

He said, “this training program has added tremendous value to us individually and collectively and we pledge to be advocates of positive transformation and development to both the Seminary and the Church.”

The high point of the ceremony was recitation of matriculation oath by the Students and their official pronouncement as duly admitted and matriculated students of the Seminary into study of the Church Ministry and Leadership Programme.

Among the distinguished guests at the event were the Abuja FCT Area Superintendent, Pastor J.O.A. Fadipe, represented by Pastor J.O. Aluko; Wuse Area Superintendent Pastor S.J Nkopeti and the wife, The Nyanya Area Superintendent Pastor J.O Okpo; the wife of the Apo District Apostle, Deaconess Ruth Ibironke; former WOWICAN President, Deaconess Bola Iheasilor, family members, and well-wishers.

The event also attracted church leaders, members of the Seminary Board of Governors, management staff, distinguished guests, and Church Officers from across the Federal Capital Territory and beyond, all gathered to witness the historic launch of the Seminary’s Abuja Study Centre and the matriculation of its pioneer students.

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Nigeria at 66: ‘We Must Not Lose Faith in Nigeria’ — FCC Boss Omidiran

Published

8 hours ago

October 1, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Honorable Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, has called on Nigerians to use the occasion of the nation’s 66th Independence Anniversary to renew their faith in Nigeria, strengthen national unity and recommit themselves to building a more inclusive and prosperous country.

In her 66th Independence Day message, Hon. Omidiran described October 1 as more than a celebration of freedom, saying the anniversary provides an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the country’s journey, acknowledge its progress and challenges, and renew the collective determination to build a nation where every citizen has a sense of belonging.

According to the FCC Executive Chairman, the Federal Character Principle remains particularly important to the quest for national cohesion because equitable representation promotes a sense of ownership and confidence in the Nigerian project.

“Nigeria is a nation of great diversity and
enormous potential. Our responsibility is to ensure that this diversity becomes a bridge that connects us rather than a barrier that separates us. Every Nigerian deserves to feel that he or she belongs to this country and has a role to play in its development,” Omidiran said.

The FCC boss called on government institutions at all levels to remain committed to fairness, equity, accountability and inclusive governance, while urging citizens to support efforts aimed at strengthening national institutions and promoting peaceful coexistence.

“We must not lose faith in Nigeria. The challenges before us are real, but so are the opportunities and the enormous human and natural resources available to us. Every citizen has a responsibility to contribute his or her own quota to building the Nigeria we desire,” she stated.

The FCC Executive Chairman also urged young Nigerians to remain committed to acquiring knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship, innovation, sports and other productive ventures, describing the youth as critical stakeholders in the country’s future.

“As we celebrate 66 years of independence, let us remember that the Nigeria we want cannot be built by government alone. It requires the commitment of all of us – leaders and citizens, young and old, from every part of the federation. Together, we can build a Nigeria where justice, fairness, opportunity and peace are available to all,” she said.

Omidiran reaffirmed the FCC’s commitment to the effective discharge of its constitutional mandate and to supporting efforts that promote equitable representation and inclusive national development across the federation.

The former lawmaker wished Nigerians at home and abroad a peaceful and memorable 66th Independence Anniversary, praying for continued peace, stability, prosperity and progress for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Our differences should never be greater than our common identity as Nigerians. Let us continue to choose unity over division, service over self-interest and hope over despair. The Nigeria of our dreams is possible if we all play our part,” Omidiran said.

“On behalf of the Federal Character Commission, I congratulate all Nigerians on this 66th Independence Anniversary. May this occasion renew our patriotism, strengthen our unity and inspire us to work together for a stronger, more equitable and prosperous Nigeria. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” she added.

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