Warns Christianity at a Crossroads
By Ajewole Joshua|ABNews|December 1,2025 | Lagos, Nigeria
A strong call to defend biblical truth and resist the growing decadence in modern-day Christianity echoed across the auditorium of the West Africa Theological Seminary (WATS) on Saturday, November 29, 2025, as leading theologian and church leader, Bishop Prof. Dapo Asaju, delivered a thought-provoking convocation lecture titled “Contending for the Christian Faith.”
The occasion, which marked the combined 34th and 35th Convocation Ceremony of the seminary, was held at the WATS campus located at 36, Olukunle Akinola Street, off Ipaja–Ayobo Road, Lagos, in affiliation with the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN).
The event attracted bishops, general overseers, professors, seminary heads, pastors, missionaries, and church leaders from across Nigeria and other parts of Africa, alongside graduating students, families, and invited guests. Honorary doctorate degrees were also conferred on distinguished Christian leaders whose lives and ministries have consistently supported theological education and kingdom advancement.
“Theology is the Queen of Science” – Asaju
In a lecture saturated with theological depth and urgent warnings, Prof. Asaju declared that the decline of moral authority and doctrinal purity in today’s Church must be confronted head-on by those trained in truth.
He maintained that theology remains the “Queen of Science,” insisting that all other disciplines; medicine, law, governance, engineering, philosophy, music, science, and even artificial intelligence; have their roots in biblical principles. Quoting from Isaiah 30:2, he emphasized that God remains the ultimate King, Lawgiver, Executive, and Legislator of the universe.
“The knowledge you have received here is raw material,” he told the graduands. “How it is used depends on the heart that carries it. This is not a degree for show; it is an enlistment into the army of God.”
Warning Against Falsehood and Corruption in the Church
Addressing what he described as “decadence and embarrassment in the name of Christianity” in Africa and beyond, the guest lecturer issued a firm warning about the infiltration of ungodly practices and unbiblical doctrines into the Church.
He warned that agents of darkness have crept into leadership offices in some churches, describing how individuals can rise as bishops, overseers, and teachers, not to build, but to destroy the faith from within.
“There is nonsense and disgrace being done in the name of the Lord today,” he said with concern. “The Bible is our final constitution. It cannot be revised by human theories or intellectual pride.”
Prof. Asaju cautioned against allowing rationalism, philosophy, or modern science to overshadow faith, reminding the audience of the biblical principle:
“For we walk by faith, not by sight.”
A Call to Return to Apostolic Foundations
Drawing inspiration from the life and ministry of the Apostle Paul, he urged the graduates to return Christianity to its apostolic foundation; a life of holiness, obedience, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to the truth of Christ.
He spoke on Solomon’s reflections about the vanity of endless intellectual pursuit without godly purpose and concluded that the ultimate duty of man is to fear God and keep His commandments.
“The Holy Spirit is your true teacher from now on,” Asaju charged the graduands. “He will interpret the Word to you and guide you across nations.”
He ended the lecture with a stern reminder from the Book of Jude, stressing that believers must “earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.”
Provost Recounts WATS’ Unprecedented Progress
Earlier in the ceremony, the Provost of WATS, Dr. Olufemi Emmanuel, delivered an emotional address filled with gratitude to God, the founders, and partners of the institution.
He acknowledged the vision and sacrifices of the founders, Rev. Prof. Gary Stewart Maxey and Rev. Dr. Mrs. Emma Lou Maxey, as well as the support of the Board Chairman, Major General Kayode Oni (Rtd.), and collaborations such as the Global Methodist Church (GMC).
Within only eight months of his administration, Dr. Emmanuel announced major milestones, including:
- Over 223 new undergraduate students
- More than 166 master’s candidates admitted
- 14 new Doctor of Ministry students
- A fully renovated guest house
- Establishment of a new cafeteria
- 24-hour operation of the newly relocated hospital
- Improved hostels, classrooms, and campus infrastructure
- A historic $100,000 local donation — the highest single local contribution in WATS history
He also unveiled ongoing plans for a second WATS campus in Imala, Ogun State, which will operate as a full faculty of theology under an affiliated university.
Honorary Doctorates and Renewed Mandate
As honorary doctorate degrees were conferred on selected Christian leaders, the atmosphere remained one of celebration and solemn recommitment to the Gospel. The awardees were recognized for their consistent support of WATS and their impact in Christian leadership and missions.
The ceremony concluded with an appeal to alumni, church leaders, and partners worldwide to continue supporting WATS as a refuge and training ground for the Persecuted Church and future revivalists in Africa.
“WATS did not just pass through you,” Dr. Emmanuel told the graduands. “WATS must live in you — in character, conviction, and calling.”
Conclusion
The WATS 34th & 35th Convocation was not just an academic milestone — it became a prophetic gathering, confronting the decay within modern Christianity while igniting hope for a new generation of defenders of the faith.
As the delegates dispersed, one message remained firmly planted in every heart:
The future of Christianity will not be preserved by popularity or trends, but by men and women who are willing to contend for the truth, no matter the cost.
