By Ajewole Joshua |ABNews|
Lagos — In a stirring appeal at the combined 34th and 35th Convocation of West Africa Theological Seminary (WATS) on Saturday, November 29, 2025, school leaders appealed to churches, alumni, philanthropists and partners to join a nationwide effort to strengthen the seminary’s capacity to train Christian leaders for Nigeria, Africa and beyond.
The convocation; held at WATS’ campus at 36, Olukunle Akinola Street (off Ipaja–Ayobo Road), Lagos, and conducted in affiliation with the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN); brought together dignitaries from many denominations, students, faculty, donors and well-wishers. The ceremony also included the conferment of honorary doctorates.
Provost: “WATS must be a shared responsibility”
Delivering the convocation address, Provost Olufemi Emmanuel, PhD, opened with thanksgiving and paid tribute to WATS’ founders, Revd Prof. Gary Stewart Maxey and Revd Dr Mrs. Emma Lou Maxey, thanking them “for their unwavering faithfulness to the mission entrusted to them.”
In a direct appeal to the body of Christ, the Provost urged collective ownership of the seminary’s vision:
“Our vision is larger than our current capacity, but our faith is stronger than our limitations. WATS is ready to train more leaders, reach more nations and strengthen more churches, but we cannot do it alone.”
Dr. Emmanuel outlined rapid developments under his administration since March 2025; citing what he described as “unprecedented progress” in eight months: an upsurge in enrolment (over 223 undergraduates, more than 166 master’s students and 14 new DMin students), major facility upgrades (a relocated 24-hour hospital, a new cafeteria, renovated guest house, improved internet, expanded classrooms and upgraded hostels) and record local fundraising that included a $100,000 local donation; the largest single local gift in WATS history.
He reminded alumni and partners that WATS is a non-denominational resource and refuge; particularly for leaders from the persecuted church; and appealed for financial gifts, scholarships, mentorship, infrastructure support and strategic partnerships.
“Support the mission of WATS. It is a vision worthy of your prayers, your recommendations, and your financial partnership,” Provost Emmanuel said.
He also announced continued plans for a second campus at Imala, Ogun State, designed to expand capacity and eventually function as an autonomous faculty of theology.
Asaju’s lecture: “Contend for the faith — and invest in institutions that do”
The ceremony’s keynote, Bishop Professor Dapo Asaju, delivered the convocation lecture titled “Contending for the Christian Faith.” His address; partly pastoral warning, partly theological exhortation; became a focal reinforcement of the Provost’s appeal.
Prof. Asaju described theology as the “Queen of Science”, arguing that every field of human endeavour traces its moral and intellectual roots to biblical truth. He warned sharply against trends he called “nonsense and disgrace in the name of the Lord,” and cautioned that:
“The knowledge you have received is raw material; how you use it will define your impact. The Bible is the ultimate constitution; it cannot be superseded by human wisdom or revisionist theologies.”
He challenged graduates to see their training as enlistment, not accolade:
“This is not a degree to boast about, but a call-up into God’s army. The whole duty of man is to fear God and keep His commandments.”
Prof. Asaju also emphasised the role of institutions like WATS in preserving doctrinal integrity and raising leaders who will resist internal compromise:
“If the church is to be reformed, we must invest in places that teach the truth. We walk by faith and not by sight — and we must contend for the faith which was once delivered to the saints.”
A practical appeal — and a roadmap
Both speakers paired spiritual urgency with concrete needs. The Provost itemised priority areas where donors and partners can help immediately: infrastructure expansion, scholarships, library and digital-learning resources, staff welfare and support for the seminary’s outreach to persecuted churches.
WATS’ governing structures; including the Board of Trustees under the convocation speaker’s chairmanship and the Governing Council led by Major General Kayode Oni (Rtd.); were commended for spiritual oversight and Friday intercessory sessions credited with contributing to the institution’s peace and progress.
Honorary doctorates were awarded to a number of distinguished supporters (names and citations were presented at the ceremony), and the seminary announced a development committee to drive upcoming fundraising and partnership campaigns.
The convocation closed not simply as a celebration of academic milestones but as a public commissioning: a call for the wider church and society to invest in theological formation as a national and continental priority.
As Provost Olufemi Emmanuel put it:
“WATS invested in you academically, spiritually, and practically. Now it is time for you to invest in WATS — through giving back, mentoring, and partnering to secure the future of faithful leadership.”
