By Emmanuel Awari, Jalingo
The United Methodist Church in Nigeria (UMCN), covering the Nigeria, Cameroon and Senegal Episcopal Area, has passed a motion to establish a university in Nigeria.
The motion was moved by Rev. Abainitus Akila Hamman and was overwhelmingly voted for by all delegates during the historic 44th Session of the Southern Nigeria Annual Conference held in Zing, Taraba State. This reflects the vision, courage and purposefulness of the leadership of His Lordship, Bishop Ande I. Emmanuel.
This was contained in a statement by Rev. Filibus Bakari Auta, Lead Director of Communication, UMC Nigeria, Cameroon and Senegal Episcopal Area.
“Great leaders do not merely celebrate today’s achievements; they create opportunities, build institutions, and lay foundations upon which future generations can thrive.”
The move is among the outstanding achievements of the session, which overwhelmingly voted in support of establishing the United Methodist University of Nigeria—a landmark decision that demonstrates the Church’s commitment to education, intellectual development and the empowerment of future generations.
“This milestone is more than an institutional decision; it is an investment in the future of the Church and society. It reflects a leadership vision that looks beyond immediate challenges to embrace opportunities that will benefit generations to come.
“Bishop Ande I. Emmanuel continues to inspire confidence by bringing people together around a shared vision and turning collective aspirations into meaningful achievements.
“Leadership is ultimately remembered not by the position one occupies, but by the lives transformed, institutions established and lasting legacies left behind.”
Auta congratulated His Lordship and the entire Southern Nigeria Episcopal Area on this historic achievement, adding that the future is being built today.
In his presentation, Rev. Abainitus Akila Hamman Jr. said:
“Today, at the venue of the 44th Session of the Southern Conference of The United Methodist Church in Nigeria, I was deeply honoured by our Resident Bishop, Bishop Ande Ikimum Emmanuel, with the privilege of the floor to present a motion for the establishment of the United Methodist University of Nigeria.
“In my presentation, I moved the following motion, comprising three components:
“1. Establishment of the United Methodist University of Nigeria: That the Church take deliberate steps towards establishing a university that will advance academic excellence, Christian values, leadership development, research and holistic human transformation.
“2. Constitution of an Episcopal-Level Task Force: That the Resident Bishop appoint a task force at the Episcopal Area level to commence the necessary processes, including feasibility studies, identification of a suitable location and acquisition of land for the proposed university.
“3. Recruitment of Academic Leadership: That the Church explore the possibility of sourcing a Vice-Chancellor and a Pro-Vice-Chancellor from the United States of America to provide the necessary academic leadership, institutional experience and professional guidance during the formative stages of the university.
“To the glory of God, the Conference unanimously adopted the motion!
“This is more than a motion; it is a vision for the future of our Church and generations yet unborn. Establishing a university will be a significant investment in education, intellectual development, character formation and the empowerment of young people.
“A university is not built in a day. It takes vision, faith, sacrifice, consistency, commitment and strategic planning. However, every great institution begins with an idea, and every great dream begins with someone willing to take the first step.
“I sincerely appreciate Bishop Ande Ikimum Emmanuel for granting me the opportunity to contribute to this important conversation and the delegates of the 44th Session for their unanimous support.
“A dream can become a reality through consistency, dedication, collective commitment and God’s grace.
“As a Church, let us pray, plan, mobilise resources and work together to make this vision a reality.
“One day, generations of United Methodists and Nigerians will look back and celebrate the courage of those who dared to dream and took the first steps towards establishing the United Methodist University of Nigeria.
“The journey has begun. To God be the glory,” he concluded.