Founder and presiding Bishop of the Living Faith Church, aka Winners Chapel, and Chancellor of Covenant University, Bishop David Oyedepo, says he has never earned any wages from the university since its inception in 2001.
Oyedepo disclosed this during the university’s 19th convocation on Friday.
The event tagged “The Release of Eagles 2024” started on Thursday and will come to an end on Saturday.
He emphasised that the success stories and personal growth of the students have been his true rewards.
During the event, which conferred first and higher degrees and presented prizes, a total of 1,607 students graduated.
Among them were 339 with first-class honours, 762 with second-class upper honours, 330 with second-class lower honours, 25 with third-class honours, and 151 from postgraduate programmes.
Reflecting on the accomplishments of Covenant University graduates, Oyedepo highlighted their contributions to various sectors such as aviation, fashion, banking, and ICT.
“I said this before God. I have not earned any wages from Covenant University since its inception.
“Your testimonies of success and breakthroughs in different fields of endeavour have been my earnings and wages,” he stated.
He emphasised that his motivation was never driven by personal gain but by a desire to contribute meaningfully to society.
He encouraged the graduates to adopt a similar mindset, focusing on how they can contribute to the greater good rather than seeking personal rewards.
“You are created to be a contributor. Find a place to contribute. You cannot be a contributor and be a failure. You will be part of the solution and not those who are problems,” he asserted.
Talking about Nigeria’s future, Oyedepo urged the graduates to remain committed to God’s plan, emphasising the importance of staying aligned with that purpose.
We will see a brand new Nigeria. Don’t jump the fence. Your star is where you belong. A commitment to be at the centre of God’s plan is very essential,” he noted.
The university’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof Abiodun Adebayo, expressed his gratitude for the graduating class, known as the “Eagles 2024,” and underscored their potential to become future leaders.
“The university is immensely grateful to God as another cohort of new generation leaders are being unleashed in the ecosphere as agents of positive change in our nation, continent, and the world,” he stated.
Former Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, also attended the ceremony, marking the occasion as special due to his child graduating with first-class honours.
He commended the institution’s dedication to character building, remarking, “The discipline is outstanding, and it is the only way to move our nation forward. You have set an example, and we are inspired. It is nothing short of a miracle.”
Similarly, the Olota of Ota, Oba Adeyemi Obalanlege, acknowledged Covenant University’s influence on the town, noting that it has made Ota a globally desirable location.
He expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve as a lecturer and encouraged the graduates to soar higher in their future endeavours.
Credit to Punch
