Baptist Theological College Celebrates 21 Years of Building Lives, Nation

Peace Obi

For its decades of commitment to manpower development, building lives and the nation, the Baptist Theological College, Lagos is set to roll out the drums in celebration and thanksgiving to God for the journey thus far, as well as its 20th graduation ceremony.

Briefing journalists at the college’s old site in Isolo recently, the Rector, Rev. Emmanuel Oyemomi said the college which offers a wide spectrum of knowledge in its training has within the 21 years, positively impacted lives and the nation as a whole.

He said the college goes beyond the training of pastors and that its products are scattered in all strata and areas of leadership both in the country and the Baptist Convention.

“There are people that are bi-vocational, who combine the work of God with the work they do. We have them in government, in private sector and in different fields of endeavours.

“We have a lot of our products in the convention, in the conferences and in the association which are the three tiers of our denominational life. The convention is the big umbrella of our denomination and currently the Vice-President in the House of our Convention, Rev. Moses Adebayo is a product of this school.”

Speaking on the place of theological education, the rector said seminary education gave birth to today’s university education. He however noted that most people have the erroneous belief that in seminary schools, the training is all about studying the bible and becoming a pastor or a church worker.

“Theological education offers a broad spectrum of knowledge. In fact we call the seminary the bedrock of all education anyone can talk of. If you trace the history of seminary, it is what gave birth to the growth of knowledge that eventually transformed into the university system for further expansion of knowledge.

“Theological education has grown so much that it has included education, music, management, among others. In our own school today, we have three major faculties, Faculty of Theology, Religious Education and Music. While people think we only read and study the bible, contrarily, if you come to our seminary, you will be required to specialise in any of the three faculties. And whichever one you choose, you will have cross-breeding courses. There is no area of specialisation that you won’t have courses you will have to take from each of those departments to become a well-rounded and trained person.”

Speaking on the significance of the anniversary, Oyemomi said 21 years being a multiple of seven years in three places signify perfection and completeness. He said the figures are significant in God’s economy, adding that God has given the institution many achievements such as quality manpower, a permanent site, among others.

The Registrar, Rev. Adeniran Abiodun said a number of programmes have been lined up to commemorate the 21st anniversary and the 20th graduation ceremony for the award of certificates, diplomas and degrees.

Among the programmes is the baccalaureate service on June 3; on June 4, inter-collegiate quiz competition will hold at the College Chapel, Ogbowa; fund raising and lecture in honour of late Gamaliel Onosode will hold at Yaba Baptist Church on June 4. The award day will hold on June 7 at the Shepherdhill Baptist Church, Obanikoro; while the graduation service will hold on June 9 at Opposite Baptist Model High School, Agbowa Ikosi.