169 Students graduated at El-Elyon International Bible College and Seminary's 11th Convocation
The event was marked by a compelling address from the Provost, who emphasized the importance of ethical leadership through the lens of theology. His message resonated deeply as he conferred degrees and certificates upon the graduands, encouraging them to uphold moral integrity and spiritual values in their future endeavors .
Themed “Building Ethical Leaders Through the Lens of Theology,” the convocation highlighted EIBCS’s unwavering commitment to raising leaders who are not only intellectually sound but ethically grounded. EIBCS promotes itself as one of Nigeria’s premier theological institutions, committed to equipping students with sound scriptural understanding and practical wisdom. The institution emphasizes the accurate application of scripture to real-life situations and the development of character, integrity, and transformational leadership.
Professor Silas D. John, the Provost of El-Elyon International Bible College and Seminary, provided a detailed breakdown of the graduating class. He announced that 51 students were awarded the Bachelor of Arts degree, 70 received the Master of Arts, and 49 earned the Doctor of Philosophy, all across various faculties and disciplines within theological education.
In his address, Professor John emphasized that the graduands had been thoroughly molded both academically and spiritually. He expressed confidence in their readiness to impact the world positively, stating that they were now released to go forth, make their mark, and represent the institution with excellence in various capacities. He also charged the graduands to always be part of the solution in their communities and to remain committed to giving back — both to the institution that nurtured them and to society at large.
While delivering a lecture on ethical leadership, Professor John further admonished the graduands never to find themselves on the wrong side of ethics and excellence. He stressed that continuous personal and professional development is the keystone to lasting productivity and meaningful impact in life.
"He maintained that ethical leadership is about the demonstration of faithfulness and strict adherence to principles that promote excellence. According to him, ethical leaders must be visionary — shaping direction and purpose, fostering integrity, and setting standards that inspire trust and accountability in every sphere of influence.
In his statement, Professor John noted that theology plays a vital role in clarifying leadership vision. He emphasized that theology equips leaders with resilience, moral clarity, and a deeper sense of calling. "True leadership is not about power," he said, "but about the consistent demonstration of integrity." He described theology as a compass that helps leaders navigate the complexities of life and service with purpose and conviction.
Also speaking at the event, Bishop Professor Samuel Ndukwe described the convocation as a reflection of “total transformation through effective discipleship.” He emphasized that human existence carries divine purpose — not merely to exist, but to reproduce. “Today’s convocation,” he said, “is a clear manifestation of the reproduction of kingdom souls, which translates into forward movement.” He further noted, “Without the succession of successors, there can be no true success.”
Highlighting the challenges facing ethical leadership, Professor Ndukwe pointed to the problem of proliferation within ministry and leadership. “The issue,” he said, “is that we have become a generation of those who copy models instead of being the model.” He stressed that ethical leaders are those who fear God and who demonstrate unwavering integrity, faithfulness, and adherence to principles that promote excellence.
According to him, ethical leaders don’t merely function in theory — they reproduce themselves by living out what they teach. “They follow the Way,” he said, “and through that walk, they compel the voluntary fellowship of their subordinates, journeying through practical ways and creating influence beyond measure among the people.” He concluded by reminding the audience that true leadership is deeply relational, transformational, and spiritually grounded.
As the seminary college continues its rapid growth, with mini campuses now spread across the country, the management has called on well-wishers, partners, and alumni to support its ongoing development. Specifically, the institution seeks financial support to aid in the establishment of a permanent campus site and the provision of a mobility vehicle for the Provost, citing the increasing necessity for these resources as the college expands.
The event was a celebration not only of academic achievement, but of spiritual advancement. It marked a significant milestone in the ongoing mission of El-Elyon International Bible College and Seminary. As Bishop professor Ndukwe put it, “We have witnessed the moving forward of the Kingdom of God — leaders with integrity and ethical excellence personified