The graduands in a pose with HRM Oharisi 111, Ovie of Ughelli and HRM Ovwaguodia, Ohworode of Olomu after the ceremony.
By Freedom Okpubeku, Ughelli
The Shepherd University of Theology, Abuja, has held the maiden graduation ceremony of its Ughelli campus with 15 students bagging various certificates and degrees amidst the investiture of patrons for the school.
The bible school which is in affiliation to the Shepherd Christian Theological Seminary, Ughelli, organized the colourful convocation ceremony on Saturday June 3, 2023 at its main campus in Ughelli, Delta State, attracting high calibres of guests including two prominent traditional rulers, HRM Evang. Dr. Wilson Ojakovo (JP), the Ovie of Ughelli Kingdom; and HRM Macaulay O. P. Ovbagbedia, the Ohworode of Olomu, from Delta State.
The ball was set rolling at about 10:00 a.m. with high praises and worship which rented the air in the main auditorium, eventually giving way to the graduands’ procession in their colourful gowns together with the school officers in their beautiful regalia.
The procession into the auditorium was followed by the national anthem and then the opening speech of the Chancellor, Bishop (Prof.) Clifford Ese Odjurhe.
In his convocation speech, Bishop Professor Clifford Ese Odjurhe, informed that the Shepherd University of Theology is divinely called by God to raise vibrant and anointed preachers of the word of God to evangelise the world in their generations.
“We have removed all forms of discrimination, e.g., gender, racial, tribal, denominational, academic or social status. Everybody is welcome.
“Our focus is to present a pragmatic preacher training curriculum … for the clergy and for the laity. That means, this university is not only meant for pastors; it is also for church members. Every child of God ought to be a preacher of the gospel and, to be a preacher of the gospel, you must know what the gospel is. And so, this university is centred around all generations of Christians – both clergy and laity,” he stated.
Continuing, Bishop Odjurhe who is also the General Overseer of the Word of God Bible Church, Ughelli, maintained that “those who are graduating today, I trust the Lord to help them perform to the glory of God.”
Also speaking, the Dean of Students, Rev. Dr, Sylvanus Oseke, said, “If you even go by the name, Shepherd University of Theology is a caring school, a place where your interest is our interest. We are not after money; we are after building the people.
Oseke who is the General Overseer of the Heavenly Comfort Mission Int’l, Orerokpe, maintained that “In the course of their training, we told our students that they’ve got to be upgraded and now that they are upgraded, they should go out there and do more than they have been doing, doing exploits for the Lord.”
On his part, one of the recipients of the Doctorate degree and the General Overseer of the Crown of Life Faith Covenant Church, Ovwodokpokpor-Ogor, said: “I’m glad that I’m now a Doctor of this University. This award is taking me to another level entirely. The gospel will be more active now and more impactful.”
Speaking on behalf of the students, the Class Rep, Pastor Ighoriohwunu Difference, expressed gratitude to the school authorities and everyone who had come to identify with them.
”We are happy today. With this graduation, we cannot be in the same level of preaching and teaching the word of God. I tell other pastors and church workers to come to this bible school to become sound preachers and teachers of the word of God.”
Earlier, the Chancellor of the University administered the investiture of Professorship on Bishop Dr. Chris Okoh. He is now Bishop Prof. Chris Okoh, Professor of Pastoral Theology. Okoh who is the General Overseer of the Evangelical Christian Ministries, Ughelli, was the pioneer Chairman of PFN (Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria), Ughelli North Chapter.
Bishop Okoh now holds the post of the Academic Patron of the Shepherd University of Theology while the Ovie of Ughelli (HRM Dr. Wilson Ojakovo) and the Ohworode of Olomu (HRM Macaulay Ovbagbedia) are the royal Patrons.
Speaking after the investiture, Bishop Prof. Chris Okoh appreciated the honour done him and charged all to make obedience to the word of God a priority in life.
To the gradaunds, he said they should live the life of a soldier in whose army they have been enlisted.
The eight students who received bachelor’s degrees were Simon Onoriobe, Arabore Margaret, Ihwokpeihwo Ogheneyore Jerry, Onyaka Josephine Ajiri, Ohre Roseline, Payan Ejigbobu Gloria, Jigbale Oghenbekparhobo Chales, and Elijah A. E. Obanyedo while the two students for Diploma award were: Ighoriohwunu Difference, and Morrion T. Faith.
For the Doctorate degree, the awardees were Odjurhe Lucy, Oseke Sylvanus Orhieoghenebruru, Etaghrara Oghenekaro Duke, Odjurhe Oghenedoro Great, and Mereh Onatufe Wariri.
The graduation ceremony which spanned hours was moderated by Comrade Matthias Ogbagah who also received the award for “Excellence as Best Scholar in Media Management”.
The Shepherd University of Theology has the Ughelli campus at 2, Ekuogbe Street, Opposite FRSC Office, Olotu, Ughelli, Delta State
About Author
