by Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
Chairman of the Northern Christian Association (NCA), Rev. Joseph John Hayab, has expressed confidence that the newly-licenced Omega University, Kaduna, will serve as a beacon of hope for Northern Nigeria by producing graduates with academic knowledge, integrity and godly character.
Hayab stated this at a Thanksgiving Service held at the Restoration Bible Church Headquarters, in Kaduna, to celebrate the granting of an operational licence to the university by the National Universities Commission (NUC).
The NCA chairman described the licencing of the institution as “more than an academic achievement,” saying it was a testament to faith, persistence and commitment.
“For us in Northern Nigeria, this university is a beacon of hope. We need institutions that produce not only educated minds but also people of integrity,” Hayab said.
He said Omega University symbolises the commitment of Christians to national development and the provision of quality education, anchored on moral and spiritual values.
Hayab congratulated the promoters and General Overseers of Restoration Bible Church, Rev. and Mrs. Tunde Bolanta, describing the establishment of the university as a vision that goes beyond the pulpit.
“It is one thing to preach the gospel; it is another to build institutions that shape the future. By birthing Omega University, they have answered a call that goes beyond the pulpit, a call to raise a generation of leaders grounded in knowledge and godly character,” he said.
The Northern Christian leader assured the promoters of the support of the NCA and urged the management, faculty and future students to remain committed to the values upon which the institution was founded.
“As the NCA, we stand with this vision. Keep Christ at the centre of this citadel of learning, and we are confident that Omega University will shine as a light in Kaduna and beyond,” he stated.
Hayab also called for collective support for the university, urging everyone to play their respective roles in ensuring its success.
He prayed for divine wisdom for the leadership, protection for the campus and success for the students, expressing hope that the institution would become “a city on a hill – a place where excellence meets godliness.”
Earlier, Pro Chancellor of Omega University-cum President of Messengers Foundation, Rev. Dr. Tunde Bolanta, described the successful licencing of the institution as the fulfillment of a long-standing vision birthed out of faith.
“A lot of you have been part of our story. Finally, we are here to gather because our God is good, and when He says anything, He brings it to pass,” Bolanta said.
He described the vision as a “stubborn one” pursued, despite the absence of visible means at the beginning, adding that the journey had demonstrated the power of faith and persistence.
Bolanta said the university would focus not only on academic excellence but also on modelling godly character, noting that Nigeria has many educated people but continues to face challenges associated with values.
“Nigeria has many educated people, but the governing value is the problem. So, what we want to do is to model godly characters in Omega University,” he said.
The Thanksgiving Service attracted clergy, university officials, government functionaries, members of the press, friends and well-wishers.
Omega University recently received its Operational Licence from the NUC, and is expected to commence academic activities with the admission of pioneer students in the 2026/2027 academic session.