By Olayinka Latona

In a bid to bridge the gap for students facing challenges with online learning due to limited resources, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has commissioned the BYU-Pathway Worldwide Educational Centre in Lagos.

The newly established physical center offers students an immersive, campus-like environment while continuing their online education. According to church officials, the centre will provide flexible, affordable, and high-quality learning opportunities to support students’ academic, career, and personal development across various fields.

Beyond academics, the centre is designed to foster innovation, collaboration, and experiential learning. It is equipped with modern facilities, including student workspaces, a technical laboratory for coding and software development, administrative offices, and a student lounge.

Speaking at the dedication ceremony, Elder Adeyinka Ojediran, First Counselor of the Africa West Area Presidency, emphasized the church’s commitment to empowering youths and young adults through education.

He highlighted the importance of intellectual growth, moral development, and fostering a relationship with God and society. Elder Ojediran expressed hope that the educational centre would provide attendees with the knowledge to transform their lives and contribute positively to their communities.

President of BYU-Pathway Worldwide, Brian Ashton, echoed these sentiments, stressing the Church’s longstanding mission to empower individuals through quality education.

“As a global higher education organization, BYU-Pathway Worldwide provides access to spiritually-based education for all qualified students, regardless of church membership,” Ashton said.

He explained that the PathwayConnect Programmes offer students the opportunity to earn certificates and degrees in fields such as business, health, and technology. The institution partners with Brigham Young University-Idaho (BYU-Idaho) to offer accredited online degree programs, supplemented by regular online gatherings where students can connect with peers and instructors.

“We are doing this to empower people. Knowledge is key to self-reliance, and we are providing learning opportunities that equip people with practical skills to secure jobs and contribute meaningfully to their communities,” Ashton added.

According to Victor Ukorebi, Senior Area Manager for Africa at BYU-Pathway Worldwide, the Lagos centre can accommodate about 500 students at a time and is open to both members and non-members of the Church.

“The centre is well-equipped with computers and internet services to support students’ online programs. With less than N400,000, students can complete a four-year degree program,” Ukorebi noted.

The commissioning ceremony was attended by several distinguished guests, including: Matt Downs, Chairman of the Career Advisory Board, J.D. Griffiths, Vice President, BYU-Pathway Worldwide (Global Education Centres), Hon. Prof. Lilian Oby Orogbu, Member representing Akwa North and South Constituency, Cecilia Ezeilo, Former Deputy Governor of Enugu State and others.

The BYU-Pathway Worldwide Educational Centre is expected to play a significant role in equipping Nigerian youth with the education and skills needed to thrive in a competitive global economy.