The Chancellor of Covenant University, Dr David Oyedepo, has declared that nothing can hinder the institution’s advancement, expressing confidence that it will become a globally sought-after university comparable to Harvard University in the United States.
According to a press statement from the institution’s head of communications, Chi Chi Ononiwu, Oyedepo stated this on Thursday during the university’s 24th Founder’s Day Anniversary Thanksgiving in Ota, Ogun State, where he attributed its growth, achievements and increasing international recognition to God’s faithfulness and the vision behind its establishment.
Speaking on the theme, “Seven Hidden Treasures of Thanksgiving,” the chancellor said the institution’s spiritual foundation would continue to sustain its progress and future ambitions.
“Whatever cannot stop the sun from shining cannot stop Covenant University from advancing,” he declared.
In a message titled, “Thanksgiving: A Pathway to Supernatural Advancement,” Oyedepo described thanksgiving as more than an expression of gratitude, saying it was a spiritual force that strengthened believers, facilitated breakthroughs and sustained progress amid challenges.
Drawing from biblical passages, including Psalm 92:1–15 and John 6:6–12, he said gratitude could help believers overcome adversity and experience abundance even in situations of apparent insufficiency.
He warned against murmuring and complaining, urging members of the university community to cultivate a spirit of gratitude and remain committed to God.
Reflecting on the institution’s establishment, Oyedepo recalled an encounter with God on February 12, 2002, at NICON Hotel, Abuja, when he sought divine confirmation concerning the ownership and future of the university.
He said the response, “It is I,” strengthened his conviction that the institution was divinely ordained, adding that he subsequently committed its operations and future into God’s hands.
Addressing students, popularly known as Covenant Eagles, the chancellor urged them to make spirituality the foundation of their academic pursuits, personal development and future accomplishments.
Recalling his conversion at the age of 15 and the commencement of his Christian ministry at 16, he said his lifelong commitment to God had remained a source of fulfilment.
“This is God’s own new-generation Harvard,” he said, expressing confidence that the university would attain global prominence and produce graduates who would be highly sought after in Nigeria and internationally.
Earlier, the Pro-Chancellor, Pastor Faith Oyedepo, described the anniversary as an opportunity to acknowledge God’s faithfulness and celebrate the institution’s progress.
“If you know how to think, you will know how to thank,” she said, attributing the university’s achievements to divine grace.
She cited the introduction of new academic programmes, including Law, Medicine, Pharmacy and Mechatronics, as evidence of the institution’s expansion and commitment to professional education.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Timothy Anake, also expressed gratitude to God for sustaining the university since its establishment, commending the chancellor and pro-chancellor for their leadership and commitment to its founding vision.
Anake said the institution’s performance in national, regional and global rankings reflected its commitment to research, innovation and the production of globally competitive graduates.
In his presentation, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Lanre Amodu, highlighted the university’s achievements over the past year, including institutional awards, research breakthroughs and improved international visibility.
He particularly noted its performance in Times Higher Education rankings, which placed the institution prominently in Nigeria, West Africa and sub-Saharan Africa.
Amodu also acknowledged a N200m pledge by the university’s alumnus and founder of KoraPay, Mr Dickson Nsofor, to support indigent students.
He described the gesture as an example of the institution’s values of excellence, responsibility and service to humanity.
In a goodwill message titled, “We Will Never Forget,” the President of the Covenant University Alumni Association, Mr Segun Aremu, praised Oyedepo for his enduring influence on generations of graduates.
Aremu recalled the chancellor’s personal efforts to promote students’ spiritual, academic and character development, saying the experiences had left lasting impressions on alumni who had distinguished themselves in various fields.
Speaking on behalf of more than 20,000 alumni worldwide, he reaffirmed their commitment to upholding the institution’s vision and values.
The anniversary thanksgiving featured reflections on Covenant University’s journey since its establishment and a renewed commitment to its mission of raising a new generation of leaders through faith-based education, research, innovation and character development.