MTI Sagamu Rector advises’ students to develop skills in critical thinking, shun frivolities

Stanley Ihedigbo

Rector, Methodist Theological Institute, Sagamu, Ogun State, Very Rev. Dr. Raphael Akhijeme Idialu, has advised students to developed skills in critical thinking and shun frivolities.

Speaking at the 2024 matriculation ceremony, Very Rev Dr Idialu, urged the new students to learn how to question received information in a refined manner and implored them to concentrate on their studies.

“There is nothing wrong with being spiritual, and we all are. But do not let spirituality become an excuse for not engaging your mind intellectually. I will encourage you to be more open-minded and welcome new insights and revelations that come from research and reflections.

“We, as your teachers, mentors and advisors, shall be available to guide you, so long as you are willing to be guided. We will give you all the necessary support, but only if you use legitimate means to seek such support. Remember to take time to read official notices and pay attention to the Institute’s rules and regulations. These will guide you and help you to make the right decisions regarding your time here. I urge you to make a difference while you are here, leave a mark that could be emulated, always strive to do what is good and make this Institution a better and more peaceful place,” he further advised.

He noted that in the institute, they pride themselves in not only training students in academic work but also in character and spiritual formation, so that upon graduation the student will be fully ready to be a responsible minister and leader who will contribute to church and national development in a patriotic and result-oriented manner.

“So, I recommend that you emulate the example of your mentors and teachers in self-discipline, self-care, good mode of dressing, fidelity to your studies and work, and general comportment so that you will not be found wanting at any time. I want you to appreciate early enough the fact that your future is in your hands and that it is really up to you to succeed in making it or failing to fulfil your ministry.

“Students who do not have a vision and a dream of what they want to achieve, are like a boat without a direction in turbulent waters. I encourage you to strive for academic excellence. You will be on the way to achieving excellence if you can strike the right balance between your academics, spiritual formation, extra-curricular activities and social life. You should carefully apportion the amount of time you spend on your studies, spiritual development, social engagements and social media.

“We look forward to teaching and interacting with you during your stay at the Institute. We pledge that we will do all we can to make your stay here as pleasant as possible. Enjoy your stay here; take advantage of every facility that is offered to develop yourself and to prepare you for the ministry vocation and life,” he admonished.

He further noted that matriculation marks a special milestone as new faces are added to Institutions of higher learning.

“The ceremony is also significant because it provides the matriculants the opportunity to pledge allegiance to the authority of the Institute through the administration of the matriculation oath wherein they will affirm their readiness to be of good behaviour and to subject themselves to the authority of all to whom authority has been vested in this Institute. The matriculants are expected to sign the nominal roll otherwise known as the Book of Generation which will enrol them into the league of champions and great servants of God and students of this noble seminary. They will also by the same token, pledge to contribute their quota to enhancing the Institute’s image wherever they find themselves and to ensure that they do not bring the name of the Institute into disrepute,” the Methodist Church Nigeria Presbyter stated.

The institute formally admitted nine  students into the Master of Divinity (M.Div.) programme and one part-time student into the Bachelor of Theology (B.Th.)

They are, Sis.  Emem Harry; Bro. Adande Kayode; Sis.  Shola Benson Ogundimu; Bro. Victor Okewu; Bro Samson Somuyide; Sis. Mercy Obolo; Bro. Francis Ini George and Bro. Odulate Bolaji