…. Matriculates Pioneer Students-
By Cyril Ogar
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.
