Integrity Key To Christian Service, Cleric Tells Students

The chairman of the Governing Board of Christian Heritage International Bible College, also known as Adullam School, Kubwa, Abuja, Pastor Alex Ogundipe, has urged students to uphold good character, such as integrity, excellence and faithfulness in their academic pursuit and Christian service.

Ogundipe gave the charge at the matriculation of the institution’s pioneer students in Abuja, yesterday, where he emphasised the need for Christians to demonstrate godly virtues and a commitment to serving God and humanity.

He said the college was established not only to impart knowledge but to also build character, integrity, excellence, faithfulness and a strong commitment to service among students.

The ceremony formally admitted the pioneer students into the institution’s academic community, marking the beginning of their training in biblical knowledge, spiritual development, leadership and Christian service.

The college offers certificate and diploma programmes in theology, leadership and prophetic studies.

Ogundipe expressed concern that many people possessed academic qualifications and knowledge but lacked the character and integrity required to make meaningful contributions to their communities, workplaces and families.

According to him, the institution seeks to produce graduates whose conduct reflects the Christian values they profess.

“We have too many people in this country who are knowledgeable and wise in their own ways, but they do not have character and integrity. That affects their ability to impact their communities,” he said.

He explained that integrity required consistency in a person’s conduct at home, in the workplace, in the church and in the wider community.

The chairman added that the college aimed to train students to demonstrate Christlike character beyond the classroom and translate their faith into practical service to society.

He also challenged Christian leaders to demonstrate greater faith in God, noting that religious commitment should be reflected in people’s actions and lifestyles rather than mere profession of faith.

On Nigeria’s future, Ogundipe urged citizens to pray for the country, contribute positively to national development and refrain from making negative declarations about its prospects.

He expressed optimism about Nigeria’s future, saying Christians had a responsibility to demonstrate their faith through meaningful contributions to national peace, unity and development.

The chairman expressed gratitude to God for the institution’s commencement, describing the matriculation of its first 60 students as a significant milestone despite the college’s modest beginnings.

He also commended the institution’s faculty and staff for their contributions to the college’s development.

Earlier, the Rector of Christian Heritage International Bible College, Pastor Samson Olukayode Aliyu, said the matriculation followed an orientation programme conducted earlier in the year.

He explained that the students had been assigned matriculation numbers, which would serve as their official identities within the institution.

Aliyu said the college offered certificate programmes in theology and diploma programmes in theology, leadership and prophetic studies.

He disclosed that the diploma programmes would run for one year, while the certificate programme would last six months.

The rector said the institution was committed to biblical teaching, spiritual formation, academic development, character building and preparation for Christian ministry.

He explained that the college’s vision was to equip believers through sound biblical teaching, empowering them to overcome sin and oppression and develop Christlike maturity capable of positively influencing their communities and the wider world.

Its mission, he added, was to prepare faithful men and women for ministry through biblical instruction, practical evangelism and an understanding of God’s love and grace.

With the theme, “Bringing Everyone to the Stature of the Fullness of Christ Jesus,” drawn from Ephesians 4:13, Aliyu urged the pioneer students to take their studies seriously, attend classes regularly, read widely, complete assignments and prepare adequately for examinations.

He also advised them to maintain a strong relationship with God throughout their academic journey, stressing that academic achievement must be accompanied by spiritual maturity.

Aliyu warned the students against examination malpractice, plagiarism, dishonesty and other forms of misconduct, noting that while certificates could demonstrate knowledge, character revealed a person’s true identity.

“The Church does not only need gifted people; it needs godly people. We need leaders who will choose integrity over compromise, humility over pride, faithfulness over convenience and service over self-interest,” he said.

He urged the students to uphold the institution’s core values of biblical truth, spiritual integrity, excellence in ministry, servant leadership, accountability and stewardship.

One of the students, Akeem Omobolanle, who is enrolled in the Diploma in Leadership programme, described the matriculation as an important step towards becoming a full member of the college.

Omobolanle, who said the programme would run for one year, expressed satisfaction with the quality of teaching and biblical instruction at the institution.

He said he intended to pursue further studies after graduation to deepen his understanding of the Scriptures and improve his contribution to Christian ministry.

Describing the college as a suitable institution for people seeking a deeper understanding of the Word of God, he encouraged others interested in theological education to consider enrolling.

He added that the training would help students understand the Scriptures better and equip them to propagate the gospel.