The Chancellor, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Dr David Oyedepo, has declared that nothing can stop the institution’s advancement, expressing confidence that it would attain global recognition comparable to Harvard University.

Oyedepo spoke at the university’s 24th Founder’s Day Anniversary Thanksgiving, where he attributed its growth, academic achievements and international recognition to divine favour and adherence to its founding vision.

Addressing the university community on the theme, “Seven Hidden Treasures of Thanksgiving,” the chancellor described the institution 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 university’s establishment, Oyedepo recalled his encounter with God on February 12, 2002, at NICON Hotel, Abuja, when he sought divine confirmation on the institution’s ownership and future.

He said the response, “It is I,” reinforced his conviction that the university was established for a divine purpose.

According to him, the institution subsequently experienced unusual favour in student enrolment and staff recruitment, even as other emerging private universities struggled to establish themselves.

Delivering a message titled “Thanksgiving: A Pathway to Supernatural Advancement,” the chancellor said gratitude went beyond expressing appreciation, describing it as a spiritual force that strengthens believers, facilitates breakthroughs and sustains progress.

Drawing lessons from Psalm 92:1–15, Proverbs 17:22, John 6:6–12 and Habakkuk 3:17–19, he said thanksgiving renewed spiritual strength and enabled individuals to overcome adversity.

He cited the biblical account of Jesus feeding the multitude to illustrate how thanksgiving could bring abundance in situations of apparent insufficiency.

Oyedepo warned against murmuring and complaining, saying a grateful disposition helped believers remain strong even in difficult circumstances.

He urged students, known as Covenant Eagles, to make spirituality the foundation of their academic pursuits, personal development and future accomplishments.

Describing spirituality as central to the university’s core values, he urged them to maintain a close relationship with Jesus Christ, which he said would contribute to fulfilling and impactful lives.

The chancellor recalled accepting Christ at the age of 15 and beginning his Christian ministry at 16, describing his life-long commitment to God as a source of profound fulfilment.

He expressed confidence that Covenant University would become a globally sought-after institution, with its graduates attracting opportunities and recognition across the world.

“This is God’s own new-generation Harvard,” he declared, praying that graduates of the university would become highly sought-after professionals in Nigeria and internationally.

Earlier, the Pro-Chancellor, Pastor (Mrs) Faith Oyedepo, described the anniversary as an opportunity to acknowledge God’s faithfulness and celebrate the institution’s progress.

She said gratitude followed a conscious recognition of God’s goodness, adding that the university’s achievements reflected divine grace.

“If you know how to think, you will know how to thank,” she said.

Faith Oyedepo cited the introduction of new academic programmes, including Law, Medicine, Pharmacy and Mechatronics, as evidence of the university’s expansion and determination to broaden access to professional education.

Quoting Psalm 118:23, she said: “This is the Lord’s doing; it is marvellous in our eyes.”

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Timothy Anake, also attributed the university’s achievements to God’s grace, acknowledging the contributions of the chancellor and pro-chancellor to sustaining its founding vision.

He said the university’s performance in national, regional and global rankings reflected its commitment to academic excellence, cutting-edge research and the development of globally competitive graduates.

Anake also commended the dedication of the institution’s faculty, staff, students and alumni, noting that their collective efforts had contributed to its continued growth.

In his presentation, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Lanre Amodu, highlighted the university’s achievements over the preceding year, including institutional awards, research and innovation breakthroughs, and improved international visibility.

He particularly highlighted its performance in the Times Higher Education rankings, which placed the institution prominently in Nigeria, West Africa and sub-Saharan Africa.

Amodu also commended the university’s alumni for supporting its development, citing the ₦200 million pledge by an alumnus and founder of KoraPay, Mr Dickson Nsofor, to support indigent students.

He described the donation as an expression 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, paid tribute to Oyedepo for his influence on the lives and careers of graduates across the world.

Recalling his student days, Aremu said the chancellor’s commitment to students’ spiritual, academic and character development had left lasting impressions on generations of Covenant Eagles.

He cited Oyedepo’s visits to prayer grounds to encourage students as examples of his personal involvement in their development.

Speaking on behalf of more than 20,000 alumni making contributions across different fields globally, Aremu expressed gratitude to the university’s founding leadership for establishing a foundation that continued to shape lives and produce transformational leaders.

He reaffirmed the alumni association’s commitment to preserving the institution’s values and vision. (The Nation)