By Samson Adeyanju
Pastor Alex Ogundipe, Chairman of the Governing Board of Christian Heritage International Bible College, Kubwa, Abuja, has expressed concern over the growing number of educated Nigerians who lack the character and integrity required to make meaningful contributions to society.
Ogundipe raised the concern during the matriculation ceremony of the institution’s 60 pioneer students, stressing that academic qualifications without moral discipline and upright character could undermine national development.
According to him, Nigeria has many knowledgeable and academically accomplished individuals whose inability to demonstrate integrity has negatively affected their contributions to their families, workplaces and communities.
“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.
The cleric emphasised that education must go beyond the acquisition of certificates to the development of individuals who demonstrate honesty, accountability, faithfulness and commitment to serving humanity.
He explained that true integrity required consistency in personal conduct, whether at home, in the church, at work or within the larger society.
Ogundipe said the college was established not merely to impart biblical knowledge but to raise men and women whose lifestyles reflect Christian values and whose contributions would positively influence society.
He urged Christian leaders to demonstrate their faith through practical actions rather than mere religious declarations.
Speaking on Nigeria’s future, the cleric encouraged citizens to remain hopeful, pray for the country and contribute meaningfully to national peace, unity and development.
Earlier, the Rector of the institution, Pastor Samson Olukayode Aliyu, challenged the matriculating students to prioritise spiritual maturity and moral discipline alongside academic excellence.
Aliyu warned against examination malpractice, plagiarism, dishonesty and other forms of misconduct, stressing that academic certificates could demonstrate knowledge but could not substitute for good character.
“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 declared.
He explained that the college offers six-month certificate programmes in theology and one-year diploma programmes in theology, leadership and prophetic studies.
One of the matriculating students, Akeem Omobolanle, who enrolled in the Diploma in Leadership programme, commended the institution’s approach to biblical education and expressed optimism that the training would strengthen his understanding of the Scriptures and prepare him for greater service in Christian ministry.
The ceremony marked the formal admission of the college’s pioneer students into its academic community.
