“We don’t just train the head; we shape the heart, the hand, and the soul,” says Professor of Christian Theology in exclusive chat with The Evangelist Publisher.
By Evangelist Solomon Okpo, Publisher, The Evangelist Newspaper
Ilisan, Ogun State, In the serene and spiritually charged environment of Babcock University during the recently concluded 22nd National Sports Festival (Ogun2024), The Evangelist sat down for an exclusive conversation with Professor Efe Ehioghae, a distinguished Professor of Christian Theology and Ethics, and University Pastor at Babcock University.
As both a spiritual shepherd and academic, Professor Ehioghae holds a unique dual role. “I’m in charge of the spiritual life of the Babcock University community,” he began. “I also teach at the Department of Religious Studies, majoring in Theology and Ethics.”
HISTORICAL ROOTS AND EDUCATIONAL MISSION
Speaking on the origin of the university, Prof. Ehioghae reflected:
> “What we call Babcock today began in 1959 as a seminary – ACWA, Adventist College of West Africa. It later became the Adventist Seminary of West Africa. In 1999, we were granted a charter as one of the first three private universities in Nigeria.”
Babcock’s educational philosophy remains firmly rooted in holistic learning. “We believe in training the head, hands, and heart,” he said. “Education must be intellectual, spiritual, and practical. Anything short of that is incomplete.”
INFRASTRUCTURE AND CAMPUS GROWTH
On infrastructure, Prof. Ehioghae was quick to highlight the university’s unique advantage:
“Virtually all our students live on campus. Few exceptions are those staying with their parents. Our aim is to maintain a fully residential university. The accommodation facilities are second to none in Nigeria.”
WHY BABCOCK ATTRACTS GLOBAL ATTENTION
Asked what drives the university’s growing national and international appeal, the professor gave credit to its faith-based foundation and global network.
> “We are owned by the Seventh-day Adventist Church, which operates over 100 institutions of higher learning worldwide. We strive to meet both NUC requirements and our church’s high global standards. The grace of God is central to our progress.”
SPIRITUALITY IN PRACTICE: A MODEL FOR NIGERIA
For Prof. Ehioghae, the university’s greatest investment is in its spiritual capital.
> “We don’t just award degrees; we cultivate godliness. Righteousness exalts a nation. If we live right, Nigeria will be transformed. Corruption has corroded our national fabric, and that’s a spiritual issue.”
“Even though we have Muslims and people of other faiths on campus, we define spirituality as living rightly – having the fear of God regardless of your religion.”
FAITH AND SCHOLARSHIP: NO CONFLICT
He dismissed any suggestion that religion and academic excellence are incompatible.
> “Some of the greatest minds in science and education were deeply religious. The Bible says, ‘The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.’ At Babcock, we embrace academic freedom within a God-centred worldview.”
BABCOCK’S ROLE IN OGUN 2024 AND STUDENT OUTREACH
On hosting the Ogun 2024 festival in partnership with the Ogun State Ministry of Transportation, Prof. Ehioghae said:
> “It was an opportunity to demonstrate that spirituality and excellence can coexist. We didn’t evangelize in a forceful way but used the platform to elevate spiritual consciousness across all faiths.”
Early morning spiritual broadcasts from student hostels were part of subtle efforts to awaken moral values during the games.
GRADUATES AS GLOBAL AMBASSADORS
Since its first graduating class post-charter in 1999, Babcock has produced thousands of graduates.
> “They are all over the world, making us proud. Our alumni are our best marketers. They reflect the excellence and values of the Babcock brand,” he stated proudly.
A MESSAGE TO NIGERIA’S GOVERNMENT AND ACADEMIC SECTOR
Prof. Ehioghae believes Nigeria must adopt a holistic view of education.
> “We’re highly educated but still lag in morality and ethics. That’s why I advocate for what I once called ‘ethical evolution.’ We need to train not just intelligent people, but ethically sound citizens.”
FINAL WORDS: THE GOD FACTOR IN NATION-BUILDING
> “Nigeria’s hope lies in aligning with righteousness. We must train young people to do the right thing, not just to pass exams. That’s how we build a great nation that attracts not only investment but divine favor.”
At Babcock University, faith is not an obstacle to knowledge—it is its foundation. As the nation reflects on its educational future, institutions like Babcock offer a compelling case for merging academic rigor with spiritual depth.
