Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, has celebrated 24 years of God’s faithfulness, remarkable institutional growth, and outstanding achievements, with its Chancellor, Dr David Oyedepo, declaring that nothing can hinder the University’s continued advancement.

Dr Oyedepo made this declaration during the University’s 24th Founder’s Day Anniversary Thanksgiving, where he attributed its sustained growth, global recognition, and institutional accomplishments to the faithfulness of God and its unwavering commitment to the spiritual foundation upon which it was established.

Speaking on the theme, “Seven Hidden Treasures of Thanksgiving,” the Chancellor described Covenant University as a divine project founded and sustained by Jesus Christ.

He reaffirmed his conviction that the institution’s future was secured by its spiritual foundation and continued reliance on God.

Reflecting on the University’s beginnings, Dr Oyedepo recalled his encounter with God on February 12, 2002, at NICON Hotel, Abuja, when he sought divine confirmation concerning the ownership and future of the institution.

He said the response, “It is I,” marked the beginning of an extraordinary journey of faith and supernatural accomplishments.

He further recalled how God identified the University’s location as Hebron, a place where kings and queens would be raised, and how he subsequently committed the institution’s operations and future into God’s hands.

According to him, the University began experiencing unusual favour in student enrolment and staff recruitment, even as several emerging private universities struggled to establish themselves.

“Whatever cannot stop the sun from shining cannot stop Covenant University from advancing,” he declared, expressing confidence in the institution’s continued flourishing and growing international influence.

While delivering a message titled, ‘Thanksgiving: A Pathway to Supernatural Advancement,’ the Chancellor expounded on the seven hidden treasures of thanksgiving, and explained that thanksgiving transcends the expression of gratitude.

He stated that thanksgiving serves as a spiritual force that strengthens believers, facilitates supernatural breakthroughs, secures divine protection, and sustains progress.

Drawing from Psalm 92:1–15, Proverbs 17:22, John 6:6–12, and Habakkuk 3:17–19, he emphasised that genuine thanksgiving refreshes the believer spiritually, opens the way for renewed strength, and empowers individuals to overcome adversity.

He noted that a thankful heart remains strengthened even in challenging circumstances, while murmuring and complaining undermine the benefits of a life of gratitude.

Using the biblical account of Jesus feeding the multitude, the Chancellor illustrated how thanksgiving can usher in abundance where insufficiency appears to prevail.

He also cited Habakkuk 3:17–19 to demonstrate that gratitude enables believers to advance irrespective of prevailing circumstances.

Dr Oyedepo further stressed that thanksgiving strengthens commitment to God, establishes believers, and promotes enduring relevance in life and eternity.

Addressing members of the University community, particularly students, he charged Covenant Eagles to embrace spirituality as the foundation of personal development, academic pursuits, and future accomplishments.

Describing spirituality as central to the University’s core values, he encouraged students to maintain a vibrant relationship with Jesus Christ, assuring them that such a commitment would contribute to a fulfilling and impactful life.

Recalling his personal encounter with Christ at the age of 15 and the commencement of his Christian ministry at 16, the Chancellor testified that his lifelong commitment to God had remained a profound source of fulfilment.

He also expressed confidence that Covenant University would become a globally sought-after institution comparable in influence and prestige to Harvard University, with its graduates attracting recognition and opportunities across the world.

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

Earlier, in her remarks, the Pro-Chancellor, Pastor (Mrs) Faith Oyedepo, described the anniversary as an opportunity to acknowledge God’s unfailing faithfulness and celebrate the unfolding of new chapters in the University’s history.

Emphasising the importance of gratitude, she observed that thanksgiving naturally follows a conscious recognition of God’s goodness.

“If you know how to think, you will know how to thank,” she stated, attributing the University’s continued progress to divine grace.

The Pro-Chancellor highlighted the introduction of new academic programmes, including Law, Medicine, Pharmacy, and Mechatronics, as evidence of God’s faithfulness and the institution’s determination to expand the frontiers of knowledge and professional education.

Quoting Psalm 118:23, she declared, “This is the Lord’s doing; it is marvellous in our eyes,” while expressing confidence in the greater accomplishments ahead.

In his address, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Timothy Anake, returned all glory to God for His enduring grace and mercies over Covenant University since its establishment.

He acknowledged the visionary leadership of the Chancellor and Pro-Chancellor, whose commitment to the University’s founding vision has continued to inspire its growth and pursuit of institutional excellence.

Professor Anake celebrated the University’s sustained leadership in higher education, noting that its performance in national, regional, and global rankings reflected its commitment to academic excellence, cutting-edge research, and the development of globally competitive graduates.

He attributed these accomplishments to divine favour, visionary leadership, and the collective dedication of the University’s faculty, staff, students, and alumni.

Also speaking, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Lanre Amodu, presented a report detailing the University’s achievements and significant milestones over the preceding year.

His presentation highlighted institutional awards, research and innovation breakthroughs, and improvements in international visibility that have further strengthened Covenant University’s reputation as a leading centre of academic excellence.

Professor Amodu particularly celebrated the University’s performance in the Times Higher Education rankings, which positioned it prominently in Nigeria, West Africa, and Sub-Saharan Africa.

He also recognised the contributions of the University’s alumni to its continued development, citing the philanthropic commitment of Mr Dickson Nsofor, an alumnus and founder of KoraPay, who pledged 200 million naira to support indigent students.

He described the gesture as an embodiment of the Covenant University spirit of excellence, responsibility, and commitment to humanity, noting that the University’s graduates continue to make meaningful contributions to society.

In a goodwill message titled, “We Will Never Forget,” the President of the Covenant University Alumni Association, Mr Segun Aremu, paid tribute to the Chancellor for his enduring influence on the lives and destinies of Covenant Eagles across the world.

Reflecting on his student experience, Mr Aremu recalled the Chancellor’s personal commitment to the spiritual, academic, and character development of students, including visits to prayer grounds to encourage and inspire them.

He observed that such encounters had left lasting impressions on generations of graduates, many of whom have distinguished themselves across diverse fields of endeavour.

Speaking on behalf of more than 20,000 Covenant Eagles making their marks globally, the Alumni President expressed gratitude to God and the University’s founding leadership for laying a solid foundation that continues to shape lives and produce transformational leaders.

He reaffirmed the alumni community’s commitment to upholding the values and vision of their alma mater.

The 24th Founder’s Day Anniversary Thanksgiving was marked by heartfelt gratitude, reflections on the University’s journey, and a renewed commitment to its founding vision.

Over the past 24 years, Covenant University has pursued its mission of raising a new generation of leaders through faith-based education, academic excellence, research, innovation, and character development.

The anniversary celebration provided an opportunity for the University community to reflect on its achievements, acknowledge the contributions of its leadership and stakeholders, and look ahead to greater accomplishments in teaching, research, innovation, and societal impact.

As the institution celebrates this milestone, the Chancellor’s declaration serves as a reaffirmation of the University’s confidence in its spiritual foundation and its determination to advance its influence and impact on the global higher education landscape.