Covenant University Chancellor David Oyedepo has described the institution as “God’s own new-generation Harvard”, expressing confidence that it will become a globally sought-after university comparable to Harvard University in the United States.
Oyedepo made the statement on Thursday during the university’s 24th Founder’s Day Anniversary Thanksgiving in Ota, Ogun State, where he attributed its growth, achievements and increasing international recognition to God’s faithfulness and the vision behind its establishment.
According to a statement by the institution’s Head of Communications, Chi Chi Ononiwu, the celebration featured a message by the chancellor titled, “Thanksgiving: A Pathway to Supernatural Advancement”, under the theme, “Seven Hidden Treasures of Thanksgiving”.
“Whatever cannot stop the sun from shining cannot stop Covenant University from advancing,” Oyedepo declared, reaffirming his confidence in the institution’s future.
He described thanksgiving as more than an expression of gratitude, saying it was a spiritual force that strengthened believers, facilitated breakthroughs and sustained progress despite challenges.
Drawing from biblical passages, including Psalm 92:1–15 and John 6:6–12, the chancellor urged members of the university community to avoid murmuring and complaining and remain committed to God.
Reflecting on the institution’s establishment, Oyedepo recalled an encounter he said he had with God on February 12, 2002, at NICON Hotel in Abuja. He said the experience strengthened his conviction about the university’s divine purpose and future.
Addressing students, popularly known as Covenant Eagles, he encouraged them to make spirituality the foundation of their academic pursuits, personal development and future accomplishments.
Earlier, the Pro-Chancellor, Faith Oyedepo, described the anniversary as an opportunity to acknowledge God’s faithfulness and celebrate the institution’s progress.
She cited the introduction of new academic programmes, including Law, Medicine, Pharmacy and Mechatronics, as evidence of the university’s expansion and commitment to professional education.
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Timothy Anake, expressed gratitude for the institution’s development and commended the chancellor and pro-chancellor for their leadership. He said the university’s performance in national, regional and global rankings reflected its commitment to research, innovation and producing globally competitive graduates.
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Lanre Amodu, highlighted the university’s achievements over the past year, including institutional awards, research breakthroughs and improved international visibility. He also referred to its performance in Times Higher Education rankings.
Amodu acknowledged a ₦200m pledge by the university’s alumnus and KoraPay founder, Dickson Nsofor, to support indigent students, describing the gesture as an example of the institution’s values of excellence, responsibility and service.
Meanwhile, the President of the Covenant University Alumni Association, Segun Aremu, praised Oyedepo’s influence on generations of graduates and reaffirmed the commitment of the university’s more than 20,000 alumni worldwide to upholding its vision and values.
The anniversary thanksgiving reflected on Covenant University’s journey since its establishment and renewed its commitment to raising a new generation of leaders through faith-based education, research, innovation and character development.
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