West Africa Theological Seminary, Ipaja, Lagos, has been granted full degree-awarding status by the National Universities Commission (NUC).
Provost of the school, Dr. Olufemi Emmanuel, made this known during a media parley on Wednesday, August 26, in his office.
Founded in early 1982 by American missionaries Professor Gary Maxey and Dr. Emma Lou Maxey, WATS is West Africa’s largest non-denominational theological seminary.
Over the years, the institution has trained and deployed thousands of leaders serving across more than 100 Christian denominations and 20+ nations. It has two campuses: one in Lagos and another in Owerri, where the school first began.
The school had also been running a joint programme with the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, prior to the NUC recognition. However, with its new status, it can now directly award a degree in Christian Religious Studies.
Dr. Emmanuel said the decision of the NUC to confer degree-awarding status on the school was conveyed in a letter sent about two weeks ago by the regulatory body.
Implication
This development, according to Dr. Emmanuel, marks a defining moment in the Seminary’s over 40 years history of academic excellence and kingdom leadership development.
He stated that the school’s new status complements WATS’ existing academic affiliations with the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and Asbury Theological Seminary, USA. The NUC accreditation will further strengthen the institution’s reputation as a globally connected center for theological education in Africa.
It is to be noted that WATS pursued this national recognition for decades and met every rigorous requirement.
”While we remain grateful for our international and local partnerships, this NUC approval affirms our capacity to deliver world-class theological training and award degrees under Nigeria’s highest academic regulatory framework,” said Dr. Emmanuel.
With this new status, WATS invites prospective students across Nigeria and the African continent to enroll in its newly NUC-Accredited programmes and be equipped for transformative leadership in the Church, academia, and society.
Appreciation
Reflecting on the giant strides that the seminary has taken in the last couple of years, the Provost said, “It would not have been possible without the support the seminary gets from churches, corporate organizations, and individuals.”
He disclosed that “many churches, such as the Redeemed Christian Church of God and Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries, through their leaders, Pastor Enoch Adeboye and Pastor Daniel Olukoya, and also Mrs Esther Ajayi have contributed immensely to the success of the institution.
“The Methodist Church, the Anglican Church, the Nigerian military, and many others that I cannot recall have helped us over the years. We have also received support from notable individuals and institutions. The list is endless.
“Without this support, we could not have reached the point today where the NUC is recognizing us as a degree-awarding institution.”
Plans are already underway to build more facilities that will make it possible for the school to accommodate more students given its new status.
About WATS
West Africa Theological Seminary is committed to raising Christ-centered leaders with academic excellence, spiritual depth, and global impact. For over four decades, WATS has served as a hub for theological training, research, and ministry development in Africa.
Website: http://www.wats.edu.ng
