By Dayo Emmanuel
The Acting Provost of the West Africa Theological Seminary (WATS), Pastor (Dr.) Olufemi Emmanuel, has urged students of the school to be faithful ambassadors of Christ and the institution.in their daily interaction with the outside world.
He made the plea during the matriculation ceremony of the institution which took place at its Ipaja, Lagos campus on Wednesday March 25
102 students were absorbed into various departments during the matriculation ceremony.
It was the first time the institution which is affiliated with the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and the Asbury Seminary, USA would record such high intake of students at once.
Dr Emmanuel in his speech at the event emphasized the importance of personal sanctification and commitment to God’s work.
Quoting 2 Timothy 2:15, he urged the students to be diligent in their studies, ‘You have come to WATS for serious training, and the Scripture is admonishing you to do your best.
‘This is where you are being prepared to be the best that you can be for the Lord. You must strive to present yourself to God as one approved,” he said.
He further cited 2 Timothy 2:20-21, emphasizing the different types of vessels in a great house and the need for students to cleanse themselves to be fit for God’s use..
“You have come to be prepared, to receive God’s certificate and His signature, to be instruments in His hands. This training is not just about acquiring a degree; it is about transforming into the kind of person God wants you to be,” he said.
The Acting Provost Encouraged the students to remain steadfast while also warning against distractions and ungodly influences.
“Your name is now in WATS’ register, but it must also be in God’s register. The Lord knows those who are His, and let all who bear His name depart from iniquity.emphasised that the institution stands for holiness, righteousness, and transparency before God and man.
‘Your primary assignment is to live for God, and your primary instrument is the Word of God. It is about life before lips, being a true representative of Christ before you even speak a word,” he said.
He urged the students to remain focused, saying, “Do not dabble in what God has not called you into. It may be a good thing, but if it is not part of your divine assignment, it is a distraction.
Stay on the Lord’s side, and He will see you through to the end,”
The founder of the institution, Rev. Prof. Gary S. Maxey, expressed optimism about the journey of the new students while also praying that the spirit the living God would rest upon them.
He further prayed that God would give them strength in times of difficulty, wisdom in times of uncertain and also enable them to finish strong.
At the ceremony students took matriculation oath, pledging to abide by the seminary’s spiritual and academic standards and to remain true ambassadors of Christ and WATS.
