Ibekimi Oriamaja Reports
Very Rev. Dr. Raphael Akhijemen Idialu, rector of the Methodist Theological Institute in Sagamu, Ogun State, has counseled students to spend less time on social media and more time studying, praying, and growing spiritually.
Idialu stated, “Instead of spending much of their time on social media, they must develop skills in critical thinking, be analytical, and learn how to question and receive information in a refined manner.” He was speaking at the combined matriculation ceremony of student ministers held in the chapel of the institute.
There is nothing wrong with using social media, he continued. However, do not use social media as a justification for not thinking critically. I’ll exhort you to be more receptive to fresh revelations and insights gleaned from study and thought.
“I want you to realize early enough that it is up to you whether you succeed in fulfilling your mission or not, and that your future is in your control. Students who don’t have a clear idea of what they hope to accomplish are like a boat in rough seas without a rudder. You should aim for academic brilliance, I advise you. If you can successfully manage your academics, spiritual development, extracurricular activities, and social life, you will be well on your way to achieving excellence, the rector advised.
“As your professors, mentors, and advisers shall be there to guide you, so long as you are willing to be guided,” warned the Methodist Church Nigeria Presbyter. We will provide you with all the assistance you require, but only if you employ legal channels to do so.
During your time at the Institute, we look forward to teaching you and interacting with you. We promise to use every effort to make your stay with us as enjoyable as we can. Enjoy your time here and make use of all the resources available to you to better yourself and get ready for a career and life in ministry.
“At our Institute, we take great satisfaction in educating students not just in academics but also in character and spiritual development. In order for the student to graduate completely prepared to serve as a responsible pastor and leader who will support the growth of the church and country in a patriotic and goal-oriented manner.
So that you won’t ever be found wanting, he recommended, “I urge that you replicate the example of your mentors and teachers in self-discipline, self-care, decent way of dressing, fidelity to your studies and work, and overall comportment.”
Very Rev. Dr. Bamidele Adedeji, the institute registrar, exhorted the students to be serious and focused in their studies since God, who called them into the ministry, wouldn’t leave them.
A journalist named Stanley Ihedigbo from Nigeria’s Lagos North Diocese is one of the eight students accepted to the institute for the Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree.
