I have three things to say in response to this beautiful welcome you have given me and my family as we assume duty as the Rector of Baptist College of Theology, Lagos. They are appreciation, aspiration and appeal.

 

Appreciation

I wish to thank God for the privilege of stewardship. Every opportunity in life is an opportunity for stewardship – serving God, working for and with his people with the mind of accountability. I thank God for the labour of our past heroes – people who have expended time, energy, human and material resources in the history of this college to take it to the level where I met it today.

 

I also thank God for the human and material resources I am surrounded with – the proprietors and sponsors in terms of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, the three Lagos Baptist Conferences and Ogun Baptist Conference, the Board of Governors, the Administrative Council, the Faculty and Staff, the Students and the Alumni. Furthermore, I appreciate the resources of a beautiful, green, and serene campus and the lovers of God and his work, which I have seen since I came.

 

Aspiration

There will be much to share in terms of my vision during the induction service later in the year. But let me just say two things for now. First, I desire to build on the shoulders of the giants – the great men who have led this institution, like the late Rev. Isaiah Bamimode, Rev. Dr. Williams Akinlolu Oyedokun, Prof Emiola Nihinlola, Dr. Joseph O. Farayola, and Prof Emmanuel Olugbenga Oyemomi.

 

I would also love to work to see an institution that is faithful to its vision of being “an evangelical, spiritual formation institution offering theological education and ministerial training of global quality and contemporary relevance.” Our working together will bring a strong definition and meaning to this vision.

 

Appeal

I appeal, therefore, that we should work together in unity of heart, mind and purpose. Let us work together with all the resources God has blessed us with – gifts, talents, abilities, stewardship of influence, connections and personal involvement.

 

Please do not leave here today without thinking of what to do, even when we have not fully articulated them. It could be as simple as giving us blocks for the fence, flowers to plant, sports facilities, scholarships for needy students, tools and equipment to make the campus beautiful, or publicity to improve student enrollment.

 

Let us start the work now!

Thank you, and God bless you.

 

Ezekiel A. Ajibade