By Akpan David, Calabar
The University of Calabar (UNICAL) has approved additional diploma programmes for the World Harvest Bible College and Seminary, as the institution graduated over 100 students across various programmes for the 2026 academic session.
The Provost of the seminary, Rev. Dr. Daniel Ukene, disclosed this during the institution’s graduation ceremony in Calabar, saying the new programmes would further expand access to theological education.
Ukene said the additional diploma programmes, approved by the college’s affiliate institution, UNICAL, were awaiting commencement.
He described the development as part of the institution’s efforts to strengthen its academic programmes and provide credible training for people seeking careers and service in theology and Christian ministry.
The Provost said the 2025/2026 academic session also witnessed the establishment of a Directorate of Academic Planning, responsible for quality assurance, curriculum development, academic records, accreditation matters and institutional data planning.
He added that the college had secured government approval for a functional health facility on its campus to provide basic healthcare and emergency services to students and staff.
Ukene disclosed that the institution also recorded increased enrolment of academic and non-academic staff during the session, which he said had improved its staff-to-student ratio, research capacity and service delivery.
Presenting the Class of 2026, the Provost said over 100 graduands had completed Certificate, Diploma, Bachelor of Arts in Theology and postgraduate programmes and fulfilled the academic and character requirements of the institution.
He charged the graduates to remain faithful to biblical teachings, maintain integrity and deploy their knowledge in the service of the church and society.
The guest speaker, Pastor Joseph I. Okoro, told the graduates that their graduation marked the beginning of a new responsibility, noting that they would operate in a society characterised by diverse beliefs, traditions and cultural practices.
Okoro said the graduates would also have to contend with economic difficulties, changing family values and wider cultural and social transformations.
He urged them to demonstrate through their lives that Christianity extended beyond the church, stressing that believers should reflect their faith in every sphere of society.
The guest speaker further encouraged the graduates to continue investing in knowledge, urging them to “study to show themselves approved” as they commenced the next phase of their lives.
In a valedictory message on behalf of the graduating class, Mrs Kathryn Godswill Emmanuel described their training as a call to educate and transform lives.
She urged the graduates to continually ask themselves whom they had transformed or taught through their knowledge and service.
Emmanuel said graduation should not be regarded as the end of their journey but as the beginning of a new chapter of service and impact, whether through teaching, pastoral ministry, counselling or mentoring.
She thanked the lecturers for their discipline, corrections and commitment throughout the students’ training, while also appreciating the Provost, Chancellor, families and friends for their support.
The ceremony was attended by the Chancellor, Rev. Dr. Nick Ezeh; Bishop Humphrey Erumaka; Rev. Dr. Mrs Margaret Nick Ezeh; Rev. Dr. Lawrence Ekwok, Sub-Dean, Faculty of Mass Communication, UNICAL; and Prof. Andrew Uduigwomen, former Dean, Faculty of Arts, UNICAL.
Others included Rev. Joseph Effiong, District Superintendent, Christ for the World Mission; Rev. Dr. John Ujah, Director of Studies, College of Theology and Administration, Kogi; Amb. Rev. Prof. Aniefiok Akpabio, immediate past Provost of the seminary; and Apostle Frank Umoh, Senior Special Assistant to the Cross River State Governor on Religious Affairs.
Prof. Mrs Akon Monday Joshua, former Vice-Chancellor of the Cross River University of Technology, Calabar, and His Eminence Ekpenyong Nyong Akpanika, PhD, were also among dignitaries present and award recipients at the ceremony.
