![Theological education’s critical roles in raising capable leaders By Emmanuel Oyemomi Going back the memory lane, as far as Nigeria isconcerned, I don’t think we have a solid plan. What we have has been a legacy andthe impact of theological education has brought into the nation. Some greatinstitutions that are renowned for this – Harvard, Oxford, etc. have become thecream of the whole world. History made us know they started as seminaries butthese institutions later metamorphosed into other areas of education. JC Pool, the first Principal of the NigerianBaptist Theological Seminary, Ogbomosho was offered a license for a chartedUniversity by the then President, Dr Azikiwe which was rejected. The same Seminary later became the firstdegree awarding institution in Nigeria. As far as this nation and Africa are concerned,writing and education are not our heritage. Treasures not documented andwhatever education is in Nigeria is heritage and an aftermath of TheologicalEducation in Nigeria. All the schools government took over started as missionschools and government was not maintaining the legacy of the mission schools. Whenyou talk of academic integrity and soundness, we find them among the missionschools across the country. They are still functional and focused in providingsound education. Government keyed into education and made it apolitical matter to fight religion. This is through legislation against the schools.History was also doctored out of the curriculum. Several subjects have been removedas well. The nation has lost its bearing in terms ofeducation with consistent strikes by ASUU which affect the future of thestudents. We are yet to get our bearingin education. Late Chieg Obafemi Awolowo ensured education became a natural priorityto benefit the citizens but the reverse is the case today. It is worrisome thatwe have no value for education as the state of the nation’s educational systemis lamentable. Impact The impact of theological education is multifaceted, as Theological Education gave birthto several churches. It also gave birth to the proliferation of schools. These arethe immediate impact but in the 1950’s, primary school in those days werevirtually free education. If children were very intelligent, themissionaries gave scholarships to children. As a nation, we have no value foreducation. The people who had primary education to standard 6 in those days canbe compared with a graduate today. Themissionaries hired such standard 6 graduates and so many lives have beenuplifted. Missionaries hired them for several jobs in public sectororganizations. Help Theological Education must be given a space toshape leaders. We need to watch the track records of our leaders. Our leaderseven boast that our votes mean nothing to them. We have a crop of leaders who have notrack records and all they do is to manipulate. Theological education has been ostracized. In thelast few years, Theological Education has been waged war against. It is a threat/war against the source of Peacewhich is GOD. Theological Education can have a great impact on ourleaders which is a study about GOD. It is education that gives a transformationto be godly. In Theological Education,you are taught how you must have concern for fellow human beings, whenutilized, the impact is huge. Theological Education indicates that God isindivisible, most people with sound theological education act right. Theological education can train people who will useand lead the people. Theological education has produced leaders for the countrywho are functioning in various places. Theological education has helped peopleto be versatile but they are being massacred due to selfishness, nepotism andtribalism in the country. God authenticates Theological education as we willall return to God. - [ ] •Oyemomi, a professor, is Rector, Baptist College of Theology, Lagos.](https://cdn.vanguardngr.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/atiku-wike-1.jpg)
A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party and former House of Assembly Aspirant in Aniocha South Delta State, Hon James Onwordi Endurance Popularly known as Ibori Ubulu has urged the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar to beg Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike to enable him to win the 2023 presidential election.
Onwordi who is a notable youth in Delta State said despite the Governor of Delta State Sen Ifeanyi Okowa emerging as Atiku’s running mate, the party still needs Governor Wike to be victorious.
He said the party is divided at the moment as a result of Wike’s refusal to speak in support of Atiku.
Onwordi also noted that Atiku ought to have met with Wike to resolve issues on the ground but is never too late.
“The Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike is not a push over and he is not an ordinary politician but a politician with the support of his people.
The PDP as a party needs Wike to win the 2023 general election.
We all saw the strengths of Wike during the PDP Presidential primaries and we can testify to the fact that Wike is loved by the majority of Nigerians which means he can easily influence votes for the PDP, not just in his state but in the country as a whole.
Wike has every reason to be furious because the PDP has shown a lackadaisical attitude toward Wike.
As a party chieftain that has contested for election and lost, I feel his pains.
I am aware of the political calculations ahead of the 2023 general election.
At the moment, PDP can’t afford to overlook Governor Wike’s support and political strengths and that is why I am calling the party leadership to meet with Wike as soon as possible so Wike can fully support the party ahead of the 2023 general election.
The Vice Presidential Candidate Governor Ifeanyi Okowa is a competent and reliable politician just like Wike.” he said
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