BYU-Pathway Worldwide Opens Global Education Centre In Lagos

By Bukar BOLORI

The BYU-Pathway Worldwide has opened a state-of-the-art Global Education Centre in the heart of Lagos, Nigeria to serve the growing number of students who wish to attain higher education certification online from BYU-Idaho and Ensign College.

With affordability at the centre of this initiative, BYU-Parthway Worldwide allows over 74,000 students in over 180 countries to gain access to spiritually based, United States of America-accredited degrees that can be completed online and in as little as three years.

In Nigeria, the total cost to attaining this high quality education via BYU-Pathway Worldwide comes at only NGN379,579.

With sponsorship from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, BYU-Pathway Worldwide is on a mission to develop disciples of Jesus Christ who are leaders in their homes, congregations and communities.

In addition to securing top-notch degrees, students get opportunities to do internships with global organisations remotely and upon graduation, secure full-time high-paying jobs with these organisations across all economic sectors.

At the official unveiling of the Global Education Centre at Opebi, Ikeja in Lagos, Nigeria, Elder D. Todd Christofferson, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, noted that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints spends over a US$1billion annually funding the education of the rising generation.

He expressed his happiness for the establishment of the Global Education Centre in Lagos and assured that this won’t be the last in Nigeria and Africa.

“We spend a great deal of money in furthering education and education opportunities of the rising generation. We spend over a US$1billion annually to create opportunities for them. But since it is prohibitively expensive to establish physical universities everywhere it is needed, how can we expand opportunities for higher education? This is what brought about the idea of online university closer to more and more people without the high cost of university fees and accommodation. We are thrilled to do this and expand opportunities for the younger generation. My experience in Africa convinces me that Africans are intelligent, hardworking and disciplined. All they need are opportunities and that is what we are hoping to provide through this Global Education Centre from BYU-Pathway Worldwide,” he said.

Brian K. Ashton, President of BYU-Pathway Worldwide, noted that the Church introduced BYU-Pathway to bless everyone with an education and that is why the fees are heavily subsidized and anyone anywhere can apply to join and students can also enjoy scholarships of almost 50percent on tuition.

“The best part is, it is not reserved for only members of the Church but anyone can apply and benefit from this opportunity. The Church is not here to make a profit but to bless people’s lives. We believe that as we learn truth we become more like our father Jesus Christ and we are better able to serve people. BYU-Pathway is online and this allows us to serve everyone at the most affordable rates,” he added.

Elder Adeyinka A. Ojediran, 1st Counselor of Africa West Area Presidency, noted that the effort of the Church of Jesus Christ and Latter-day Saints to strengthen the rising generation is patterned after the earthly development of the Savior who as one reads in Luke 2:52 increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.

“Our effort is to help our rising generation to grow in wisdom by gaining knowledge through education, grow in statute through support for healthy physical development and find favor with God in spiritual growth through gospel living. And lastly grow in favor with man as they increase their social capacity to live in peace and harmony with others and positively impact their communities and the world at large.This building would serve as a place of learning to develop and strengthen our rising generation spiritually, socially, emotionally, educationally and professionally. The activities held in here will help to develop disciples of Jesus Christ who will become leaders in their homes, the Church, and their communities. They will gain and grow in one of the attributes of God, which is knowledge. Knowledge is something that cannot be taken away from God’s children. It will progress with us into the next life. In the leadership of the church in West Africa, our vision for the young single adults is to encourage them to stay on the covenant path, qualify for gainful employment and be married for time and eternity in the temple,” he said.

Elder Ojediran noted that the Global Education Centre in Lagos is a place for wholesome activities and experiences that will bring every participant closer to one another and to God.

“It opens access to educational opportunities, provides a foundation for the development of leadership skills, and offers built-in mentoring and support options for members, especially our rising generation. The programmes in this facility are also open to non-members of our church, and we find significant numbers participating in the programmes. From here, we will raise leaders who will build and strengthen families, the church, our communities and the nation at large. I admonish these leaders of today, as many are currently serving in leadership callings and those of tomorrow to be humble in their accomplishments and be selfless in their service to humanity.”

Honourable Prof Lilian Oby Orogbu, Member, representing Awka North/South Federal constituency and Cecilia Ezeilo, Former Deputy Governor, Enugu State assured the Church of a deeper collaboration between the Church and society.

They both urged the youth to take advantage of this opportunity and improve their lives and those of their friends and family.

Dignitaries present include Elder Alfred and Sister Lucie Kyungu, of the Seventy and Africa West Area President; Elder Michael T. and Sister Rosaline Ringwood, Presidency of the Seventy; Elder Isaac K. and Sister Hannah Morrison of the Seventy and member of the Africa West Area Presidency; Bishop W. Christopher and Sister Carol Waddell, Presiding Bishopric; Victor Ukorebi, Senior Area Manager for Africa, BYU Pathway Worldwide; Matt Downs, Chairman of Career Advisory Board of BYU Pathway Worldwide; and J.D. Griffiths, Vice President, BYU Pathway Worldwide in charge of Global Education Centres.

BYU-Pathway Worldwide is sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and serves more than 74,000 students in 180 countries annually.

Its mission is to develop disciples of Jesus Christ who are leaders in their homes, congregations, and communities.

In partnership with BYU-Idaho and Ensign College, BYU-Pathway provides access to spiritually based, U.S.-accredited degrees that can be completed in as little as three years-online and at a significantly reduced cost.