28TH CONVOCATION CEREMONY OF HUGH GOLDIE
๐๐จ๐๐ ๐๐ข๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ฌ/๐ง๐๐๐ข๐๐ข๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ง๐ฅ๐๐๐ก๐๐ก๐ ๐๐ก๐ฆ๐ง๐๐ง๐จ๐ง๐๐ข๐ก ๐๐ฅ๐ข๐๐๐จ๐๐ช๐จ ๐๐ข๐๐๐ฆ ๐ฎ๐ด๐ง๐ ๐๐ข๐ก๐ฉ๐ข๐๐๐ง๐๐ข๐ก ๐๐๐ฅ๐๐ ๐ข๐ก๐ฌ
On 5th June 5, 2026, the Hugh Goldie Lay/Theological Training Institution, Arochukwu, held its 28th Convocation Ceremony for the conferment of Diploma of Divinity, Bachelor’s Degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas, and Master of Theology degrees on deserving candidates.
The colourful ceremony attracted distinguished guests from across the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria and beyond. Among those in attendance were Most Rev. Prof. Miracle Ajah, Principal Clerk of the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, Representative of the Board of Education; Rev. Ubong Nkebem, keynote address speaker; Rev. Omaka Ngele; Ven. Prof. Michael N. Nwoko, Rev. Dr. Abraham Ndu, Personal Assistant to the Principal Clerk, Elder Engr. Nnamdi Udo, Chairman of Council, Rev. Dr. Okechukwu Kalu; as well as other members of the Council, Management, Family and friends of the graduates and well-meaning Presbyterians.
Delivering the keynote address, Most Rev. Prof. Onyekachi Omaka K. Ngele spoke on the theme, “The Ministry, Theological Development and Ministers in the 21st Century: Exploring Sustainable Ministerial Dynamism in a Globally Competitive and Emerging Milieu in the 21st Century.”
In his thought-provoking presentation, he redefined ministry as a divine call to Kingdom service and described the minister as a steward and caretaker entrusted with God’s work and people.
Drawing from Ephesians 4:11โ14, he expounded on the five-fold ministry of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers, highlighting their complementary roles in equipping believers and building up the Body of Christ. He therefore challenged ministers to recognise and embrace their uniqueness, understand their individual callings, and faithfully pursue the specific ministries entrusted to them by God.
The keynote speaker further encouraged ministers to cultivate the qualities necessary for effective and sustainable ministry in the 21st century. He urged them to be servant leaders, uphold godly character as the foundation of spiritual authority, and intentionally mentor the next generation of leaders.
He also emphasised the need for fruitfulness, a vibrant prayer life, and a commitment to collegial ministry through collaboration, idea-sharing, and mutual support.
Most Rev. Prof. Ngele further called on ministers to embody team spirit, build bridges across denominations and communities, and foster partnerships that advance the mission of the Church. He noted that ministerial effectiveness in a rapidly changing and globally competitive environment requires humility, cooperation, continuous theological development, and an unwavering commitment to the service of God and humanity.
The Rector of the institution, Rev. Dr. Theophilus Chukwu Ngele in his address, expressed gratitude to God for the remarkable progress recorded by the institution in recent years. He highlighted several infrastructural, academic, and spiritual developments that have transformed the institution, including the construction and furnishing of an ultra-modern Rector’s residence, the construction of an access road into the school compound, the development of drainage systems, and the installation of a solar-powered water supply system.
The Rector further noted that the institution had improved its electricity infrastructure through the installation of light poles and electrical conductors to ensure better power connectivity across the campus. He also mentioned the renovation and painting of the institution’s chapel, contributing to a more conducive environment for worship and spiritual growth.
On the academic front, Rev. Dr. Ngele celebrated the institution’s participation in the 30th to 32nd Combined Convocation Ceremony of Abia State University, during which 120 students of the institution graduated successfully. Notably, five of the graduates earned First Class honours, a feat he described as a testament to the institution’s commitment to academic excellence and holistic training.
In an address, the Principal Clerk, Most Rev. Prof. Miracle Ajah, shared lessons drawn from his years of ministry and service. He admonished the graduates not to despise humble beginnings, noting that every great achievement starts small. He emphasised that spirituality without a sound mentality often leads to Christian apathy and encouraged believers to pursue both spiritual and intellectual growth.
Reflecting on his remarkable journey of over forty years in active ministry as the oldest serving minister in the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, the Principal Clerk encouraged the graduands to exercise patience and trust God’s timing. According to him, life unfolds in stages, and those who faithfully celebrate and support others today may themselves be celebrated tomorrow.
He further reminded the graduates that they possess unlimited possibilities and should therefore remain resilient, strive for excellence, and never give up on their aspirations.
Speaking on spiritual development within the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, the PC highlighted the various levels of spiritual growth that can be attained through dedicated service to God and humanity.
Also speaking at the ceremony, Ven. Prof. Michael N. Nwoko expressed appreciation to the Principal Clerk for his resilience, commitment, and steadfastness in advancing the work of God. He further assured graduates that all accumulated certificates from the institution would be processed and made available as soon as possible.
The Best Graduating Student, Alison Uguru Awa, in his valedictory speech, encouraged his fellow graduates to remain committed to serving God, continually learning, and reflecting the character of Christ in their daily lives. He also expressed heartfelt gratitude to his lecturers, mentors, and all those who contributed to their academic and spiritual formation.
The convocation ceremony marked another important height in the history of Hugh Goldie Lay/Theological Training Institution, stating the institutionโs commitment to raising spiritually grounded, academically equipped, and service-oriented leaders for the general growth of the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria and the society.
Hugh Goldie Media
Leave a Comment