By Teddy Daniel
The Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Archbishop Henry Ndukuba, has charged graduates of St. Francis of Assisi College, Wusasa, Zaria, to become agents of moral and national transformation as Nigeria confronts declining values and other emerging social challenges.
Archbishop Ndukuba, who is also the Metropolitan and Visitor to the institution, gave the charge at the 60th anniversary and 38th graduation ceremony held at the St. Francis of Assisi College, Wusasa.
He said the institution had, over six decades, played a significant role in producing pastoral, educational and community leaders who had contributed to the development of the Church and wider Nigerian society.
According to him, the institution began as a Discipleship Training Centre, established primarily to nurture Christians in the faith, before developing into a theological institution for training catechists and ministers of the Gospel.
The Primate described the transformation of the institution over the years as the growth of a mustard seed, noting that most bishops and many clergy serving in northern Nigeria had passed through the institution, while others had benefited from its activities as staff and workers.
He said the contribution of the Wusasa institutions extended beyond the Church, pointing to their role in education, healthcare and leadership development in Nigeria.
Archbishop Ndukuba noted that personalities associated with Wusasa including former Head of State General Yakubu Gowon, General Theophilus Danjuma and educationist Professor Ishaya Audu, had made significant contributions in areas including governance, security and education.
“You cannot talk of the North without thinking of those key players that have shaped, not only in the past but also into the future, the destiny and direction of this nation,” he said.
Looking ahead, the Primate urged the graduating students to carry forward the legacy of the institution by becoming beacons of light in a society facing moral and cultural challenges.
He said the erosion of values and emerging cultural influences made it necessary for the Church and educational institutions to raise men and women capable of providing ethical leadership across different sectors of society.
Archbishop Ndukuba stressed that God is still in search of men whom He can send ,urging the graduates to bear the torch and light of Jesus and strive for what is right as they contribute to shaping the future of the country
He expressed gratitude to God for six decades of the institution’s existence, describing St. Francis as a place where men and women had been shaped for service to the Church and society.
In his remark,the Acting Rector of the College, Venerable Dr. Timothy Bako, said the institution had secured approval from the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) to operate independently as St. Francis College of Education, with accreditation of its NCE programmes now the next major step.
Bako said the College had also expanded access to higher education through its Bachelor of Education programme, affiliated with Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo, with two sets of 24 students already graduating, while another 30 graduates are expected to graduate this year.
He said the institution had recorded significant infrastructural development, including the construction of a laboratory to meet NCCE requirements, installation of a 50KVA transformer, solar power for the Chapel of Light and other support facilities. He added that the College also received 10 solar panels from the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, alongside other educational and technological support.
However, the Acting Rector identified accreditation funding, student accommodation, classroom blocks, library and laboratory facilities, staff welfare and security infrastructure as some of the major challenges confronting the institution. He said the College was particularly seeking support to complete its perimeter fencing in view of the security challenges in the region.
Bako also appealed to dioceses with outstanding assessments to settle their debts, putting the total arrears owed the College at more than N10 million. He called on alumni, government, religious organisations and other stakeholders to support the institution’s development as it enters its next decade.
Earlier in a message, the Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, congratulated the College on its anniversary, describing the milestone as a testament to resilience, sacrifice, vision and commitment to service.
He said the institution had, over the years, moulded character and produced leaders who had served Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria and the wider world, stressing the importance of combining academic excellence with moral upbringing.
The Emir urged the graduands to be worthy ambassadors of the institution, saying Nigeria needed builders and peacemakers committed to honesty, hard work, tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
A total of 119 students graduated in Theology and Education across various degree, Bachelor of Education, diploma and certificate programmes. The ceremony attracted Christian leaders, representatives of neighbouring institutions, alumni, parents and other stakeholders.
Editing By Yusuf Zubairu
