The Chancellor of Covenant University, Dr. David Oyedepo, has declared that nothing can hinder the institution’s advancement, expressing confidence in its ambition to become a globally sought-after university comparable to Harvard University.
Oyedepo made the declaration during the institution’s 24th Founder’s Day Anniversary Thanksgiving in Ota, Ogun State, where he attributed its growth, international recognition and achievements over the past 24 years to God’s faithfulness and its founding vision.
Speaking on the theme, ‘Seven Hidden Treasures of Thanksgiving’, the chancellor described the university as a divine project whose future was secured by its spiritual foundation.
“Whatever cannot stop the sun from shining cannot stop Covenant University from advancing,” he declared.
Reflecting on the institution’s establishment, Oyedepo recalled an encounter with God on February 12, 2002, at NICON Hotel, Abuja, when he sought divine confirmation concerning the ownership and future of the university.
He said the response, “It is I,” strengthened his conviction that the institution was divinely ordained, adding that he subsequently committed its operations and future into God’s hands.
In a message titled, ‘Thanksgiving: A Pathway to Supernatural Advancement’, the chancellor said thanksgiving went beyond expressing gratitude, describing it as a spiritual force that strengthens believers, facilitates breakthroughs and sustains progress in difficult circumstances.
Drawing from biblical passages, including Psalm 92:1–15 and John 6:6–12, he said a thankful heart could overcome adversity and experience abundance even in situations of apparent insufficiency.
He cautioned against murmuring and complaining, urging members of the university community to cultivate gratitude and maintain their commitment to God.
Addressing students, whom the institution calls Covenant Eagles, Oyedepo urged them to make spirituality the foundation of their academic pursuits, personal development and future accomplishments.
Recalling his conversion at the age of 15 and the commencement of his Christian ministry at 16, he said his lifelong commitment to God had remained a source of fulfilment.
The chancellor expressed confidence that Covenant University would attain global prominence and produce graduates who would be highly sought after in Nigeria and internationally.
“This is God’s own new-generation Harvard,” he said, praying that its graduates would attract global recognition and opportunities.
Earlier, the Pro-Chancellor, Pastor Faith Oyedepo, described the anniversary as an opportunity to acknowledge God’s faithfulness and celebrate the university’s progress.
“If you know how to think, you will know how to thank,” she said, attributing the institution’s achievements to divine grace.
She cited the introduction of new academic programmes, including Law, Medicine, Pharmacy and Mechatronics, as evidence of the university’s expansion and commitment to professional education.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Timothy Anake, also expressed gratitude to God for sustaining the institution since its establishment.
He commended the chancellor and pro-chancellor for their leadership, saying their commitment to the founding vision had continued to inspire the university’s pursuit of academic excellence.
Anake said the institution’s performance in national, regional and global rankings reflected its commitment to research, innovation and producing globally competitive graduates.
In his presentation, the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Prof. Lanre Amodu, highlighted the university’s achievements over the past year, including institutional awards, research breakthroughs and improved international visibility.
He particularly noted its performance in Times Higher Education rankings, which placed it prominently in Nigeria, West Africa and sub-Saharan Africa.
Amodu also acknowledged the contribution of an alumnus and founder of KoraPay, Mr. Dickson Nsofor, who pledged N200m to support indigent students.
He described the gesture as an example of the university’s values of excellence, responsibility and service to humanity.
In a goodwill message titled, ‘We Will Never Forget’, the President of the Covenant University Alumni Association, Mr. Segun Aremu, praised Oyedepo for his enduring influence on generations of graduates.
Aremu recalled the chancellor’s personal efforts to promote students’ spiritual, academic and character development, saying the experiences had left lasting impressions on alumni who had distinguished themselves in various fields.
Speaking on behalf of more than 20,000 alumni worldwide, he reaffirmed their commitment to upholding the institution’s vision and values.
The anniversary thanksgiving featured reflections on the university’s journey since its establishment and a renewed commitment to its mission of raising a new generation of leaders through faith-based education, research, innovation and character development.