Nothing can stop Covenant University’s rise — Chancellor

…as the university celebrates 24th Founder’s Day Thanksgiving

David Oyedepo, the chancellor of Covenant University, has declared that nothing can hinder the institution’s steady rise and continued advancement, expressing confidence in its vision, achievements, and prospects as the university marked its 24th Founder’s Day Thanksgiving.

Oyedepo attributed the university’s sustained growth, global recognition, and institutional accomplishments to the faithfulness of God and its unwavering commitment to the spiritual foundation upon which it was established.

Speaking on the theme, “Seven Hidden Treasures of Thanksgiving,” the Chancellor described Covenant University as a divine project founded and sustained by Jesus Christ. He reaffirmed his conviction that the institution’s future was secured by its spiritual foundation and continued reliance on God.

Reflecting on the University’s beginnings, he recalled his encounter with God on February 12, 2002, at NICON Hotel, Abuja, when he sought divine confirmation concerning the ownership and future of the institution.

He said the response, “It is I,” marked the beginning of an extraordinary journey of faith and supernatural accomplishments. He further recalled how God identified the University’s location as Hebron, a place where kings and queens would be raised, and how he subsequently committed the institution’s operations and future into God’s hands.

According to him, the University began experiencing unusual favour in student enrolment and staff recruitment, even as several emerging private universities struggled to establish themselves.

“Whatever cannot stop the sun from shining cannot stop Covenant University from advancing,” he declared, expressing confidence in the institution’s continued flourishing and growing international influence.

While delivering a message titled ‘Thanksgiving: A Pathway to Supernatural Advancement,’ the Chancellor expounded on the seven hidden treasures of thanksgiving and explained that thanksgiving transcends the expression of gratitude. He stated that thanksgiving serves as a spiritual force that strengthens believers, facilitates supernatural breakthroughs, secures divine protection, and sustains progress.

Using the biblical account of Jesus feeding the multitude, the chancellor illustrated how thanksgiving can usher in abundance where insufficiency appears to prevail. He also cited Habakkuk 3:17–19 to demonstrate that gratitude enables believers to advance irrespective of prevailing circumstances.

Besides, he expressed confidence that Covenant University would become a globally sought-after institution comparable in influence and prestige to Harvard University, with its graduates attracting recognition and opportunities across the world.

“This is God’s own new-generation Harvard,” he declared, praying that Covenant Eagles would become highly sought-after graduates in Nigeria and internationally.

Faith Oyedepo, the pro-chancellor at Covenant University, earlier in her remarks, described the anniversary as an opportunity to acknowledge God’s unfailing faithfulness and celebrate the unfolding of new chapters in the University’s history.

“If you know how to think, you will know how to thank,” she stated, attributing the University’s continued progress to divine grace.

The pro-chancellor highlighted the introduction of new academic programmes, including Law, Medicine, Pharmacy, and Mechatronics, as evidence of God’s faithfulness and the institution’s determination to expand the frontiers of knowledge and professional education.

Timothy Anake, the vice-chancellor, returned all glory to God for His enduring grace and mercies over Covenant University since its establishment.

He acknowledged the visionary leadership of the chancellor and pro-chancellor, whose commitment to the University’s founding vision has continued to inspire its growth and pursuit of institutional excellence.

Anake celebrated the University’s sustained leadership in higher education, noting that its performance in national, regional, and global rankings reflected its commitment to academic excellence, cutting-edge research, and the development of globally competitive graduates.

Lanre Amodu, the deputy vice-chancellor, presented a report detailing the university’s achievements and significant milestones over the preceding year.

His presentation highlighted institutional awards, research and innovation breakthroughs, and improvements in international visibility that have further strengthened Covenant University’s reputation as a leading centre of academic excellence.

Amodu particularly celebrated the university’s performance in the Times Higher Education rankings, which positioned it prominently in Nigeria, West Africa, and Sub-Saharan Africa.

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He also recognised the contributions of the university’s alumni to its continued development, citing the philanthropic commitment of Dickson Nsofor, an alumnus and founder of KoraPay, who pledged 200 million naira to support indigent students.

He reaffirmed the alumni community’s commitment to upholding the values and vision of their alma mater.

Over the past 24 years, Covenant University has pursued its mission of raising a new generation of leaders through faith-based education, academic excellence, research, innovation, and character development.

The anniversary celebration provided an opportunity for the university community to reflect on its achievements, acknowledge the contributions of its leadership and stakeholders, and look ahead to greater accomplishments in teaching, research, innovation, and societal impact.

As the institution celebrates this milestone, the chancellor’s declaration serves as a reaffirmation of the university’s confidence in its spiritual foundation and its determination to advance its influence and impact on the global higher education landscape.