Lagos, Nigeria – Saturday, November 29, 2025 — West Africa Theological Seminary (WATS), in affiliation with the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), on Saturday held its combined 34th and 35th Convocation Ceremony and the conferment of Honorary Doctorate Degrees at its campus located at 36, Olukunle Akinola Street, Off Ipaja–Ayobo Road, Lagos.
The colourful and spiritually-charged event brought together a wide array of dignitaries from across Nigeria and other parts of Africa, including prominent church leaders, theologians, missionaries, denominational heads, alumni, parents, friends of the institution and representatives of partner denominations.
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The ceremony marked another milestone in the history of the seminary, founded to raise leaders of character, sound doctrine, revival and holiness for the African church and beyond.
Provost’s Address: A Note of Gratitude and Vision
Delivering the convocation address, the Provost of WATS, Dr. Olufemi Emmanuel, expressed profound gratitude to God for the journey and transformation of the institution. He described the occasion as a testimony of divine faithfulness and a celebration of obedience to God’s calling.
“It is with utmost gratitude to God that I stand before you to deliver this address as Provost at this combined 34th and 35th Convocation of our great institution. Indeed, God alone deserves the glory for safely guiding the Seminary from its inception to this remarkable moment,” he said.
He paid glowing tribute to the founders of WATS, Rev. Prof. Gary Stewart Maxey and Rev. Dr. Mrs. Emma Lou Maxey, for their unwavering obedience to God’s mandate and commitment to the vision of the seminary.
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“Through thick and thin, they have remained steadfast in obedience to God… Our continuous prayer is that the Almighty will preserve them in sound health — spirit, soul and body,” he noted.
Dr. Emmanuel also commended the Chairman of the Board of Trustees and Convocation Speaker, Bishop Prof. Dapo Asaju, for his consistent support and inspirational leadership, saying his presence alone was a source of strength to the entire WATS community.
Special recognition was further given to the Governing Council, led by Major General Kayode Oni (rtd.), for its hands-on involvement in the spiritual life of the seminary, particularly the weekly Friday intercessory sessions, which the Provost described as a major source of WATS’ peace and progress.
The Global Methodist Church (GMC) was also acknowledged for entrusting WATS with the training of its emerging leaders, many of whom come from persecuted regions in Northern Nigeria.
“WATS remains open to churches desiring to train their people for effective Christian leadership,” Dr. Emmanuel affirmed.
Celebrating Graduates and Honorary Awardees
The Provost congratulated the graduating students, encouraging them to carry the values of biblical holiness, cross-cultural missions and revival into their next assignments.
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“I trust that you have not only passed through WATS, but that WATS has also passed through you. Carry the WATS DNA with pride and continue to invest in, support and uplift your alma mater,” he charged.
Honorary doctorate recipients were specially recognised and celebrated for their steadfast support of the WATS vision over the years, as the Provost prayed for God’s continued honour upon their lives.
Faculty members and non-teaching staff were also commended for their sacrificial labour and dedication in building an institution trusted for shaping both the heart and the mind.
Unprecedented Progress Under New Leadership
Highlighting the achievements recorded since the commencement of his administration in March 2025, Dr. Emmanuel described the past eight months as a season of “unprecedented transformation.”
Among the major accomplishments highlighted were:
1. Surge in Enrolment
Over 223 undergraduate students enrolled in both regular and weekend programmes
More than 166 Master’s students admitted
14 doctoral (D.Min) students added to the programme
2. The Renewed WATS Vision (RWV) Launched in April 2025, the vision aims to make WATS the largest seminary in Africa, drawing students from at least 15 African countries and increasing capacity to 4,000 resident students within the next 10 years, while reinforcing scriptural holiness and revival.
3. Massive Infrastructure Development
Construction of a new hospital facility, now operating 24 hours
Establishment of a new cafeteria
Total renovation of the Guest House
Stable and reliable internet access
Expansion of classrooms with new desks, doors, windows and fans
Upgraded hostels with more bedding, better plumbing, improved walkways and storage facilities
4. Record-Breaking Local Fundraising Dr. Emmanuel announced that for the first time in the history of the seminary, a Nigerian church leader donated $100,000 in cash to support WATS — the highest single local donation ever received.
“This affirms that the WATS vision is a worthy investment for the body of Christ,” he stated.
What Next: The Road Ahead for WATS
Outlining the future direction of the institution, the Provost unveiled key priorities, including:
Deepening the Renewed WATS Vision
Strengthening academic excellence through partnerships with ACTEA and Mesa Global
Raising godly leaders and revival agents for Africa and the world
Improving welfare and conditions for faculty members
Intensifying calls for partnership from churches and Christian leaders
Advancing plans for a second campus in Imala, Ogun State, to function as an autonomous theological faculty
Increasing public engagement through a newly-recorded 13-episode studio documentary on WATS, set to be aired on radio and other platforms
He also challenged WATS alumni to rise up and give back to the institution that shaped their lives.
“What many of us gained here is immeasurable. It is time to give back. WATS deserves your renewed attention and support,” he appealed.
Convocation Lecture: “Contending for the Christian Faith”
The Convocation Lecture was delivered by Bishop Professor Dapo Asaju, who spoke on the theme “Contending for the Christian Faith.”
In a powerful and thought-provoking message, Prof. Asaju asserted that theology is the ‘Queen of Science’, explaining that every field of knowledge — from medicine and engineering to governance and artificial intelligence — draws its roots from biblical principles.
Quoting scriptures including Isaiah 33:22 and warning against spiritual compromise, he declared:
“The knowledge you have received is raw material; how you use it will define your impact. Our generation must resist the infiltration of false doctrines within the Church.”
He cautioned against replacing biblical truth with human rationalism and revisionist theology, stressing that the Bible remains the supreme constitution and must not be subject to modern compromise.
He reminded graduates that their training is not for pride, but for enlistment in God’s army, urging them to live by faith, fear God and keep His commandments.
Drawing from the life of Apostle Paul, Prof. Asaju highlighted the power of doctrinal conviction and Holy Spirit-inspired leadership in transforming the world.
“Nothing happening today is new. It has already been spoken in Scripture. Settle in God’s plan, trust His Word, and make your mark for Christ,” he charged.
A Celebration of Faith, Growth and Impact
The ceremony was marked by prayers, worship, the formal presentation of graduates, conferment of degrees, award of honorary doctorates and the symbolic transfer of leadership responsibility to a new generation of Christian leaders.
For WATS, the combined convocation was not only a graduation ceremony, but a declaration of renewed purpose — a reaffirmation of its uncompromising commitment to holiness, sound doctrine and revival across Africa and the nations of the world.
As the banners of celebration came down, one message echoed clearly across the campus of WATS: The vision is alive, the mission is clear, and the future is bright.
