By Blessing Ibegbu
Prof. Haruna Ayuba, Vice-Chancellor, Bingham University, has called on the institution, as a Christian university, to reinforce the moral foundations and spiritual resilience needed to navigate contemporary challenges facing Nigeria.

Ayuba ​‌‌​⁠⁠‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌⁠⁠⁠‍⁠‍‌​made the call on Thursday in Karu, Nasarawa, at the university’s second valedictory lecture, delivered by Prof. Yusufu Turaki, Professor of Theology and Social Ethics, describing the occasion as timely.

The valedictory lecture was entitled: “Light on the Hill: The Role of a Christian University in Shaping Nigeria’s Moral, Spiritual, and Ethical Future,” and focused on universities’ responsibilities to society.

Ayuba said Turaki, who is also a Reverend, would illuminate the vital role Christian universities could play in fostering integrity, compassion and ethical leadership among youths and future Nigerian leaders.

“As an institution committed to academic excellence and moral uprightness, we are privileged to have such a scholar and a luminary whose work continually advances the values we hold so dear.

“On behalf of the university community, I extend my sincere congratulations to the Professor.

“May today’s lecture inspire us to be beacons of hope and change that will guide Nigeria toward a future illuminated by faith, integrity and ethical commitment,” he said.

Ayuba prayed that God would continue to guide Turaki in truth, wisdom and goodness as he bowed out of active service, saying: “In Jesus’ name,” while appreciating his contributions.

The Vice-Chancellor said that over the past few months, the university had “literally sapped every ounce of insight and knowledge” from Turaki through a series of engagements and academic activities.

According to him, the engagements included Turaki’s presentation of the university’s third public lecture and another presentation during the Vice-Chancellor’s interactive forum with Heads of Department, Deans and Directors.

“Then his involvement in a two-day training of selected university staff in collaboration with the Yusufu Turaki Foundation,” Ayuba said, highlighting Turaki’s sustained contribution to staff development and institutional growth.

Ayuba said that throughout the engagements, the distinguished professor, in spite of being over 80 years old, never complained or showed signs of fatigue, demonstrating remarkable commitment and dedication to academic service.

According to him, Turaki’s dedication and humility had been remarkable, appreciating him for allowing the university community to tap into his vast reservoir of knowledge, insights and wisdom.

“During his tenure as Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) General Secretary, 1987-1994, he was one of those who dreamt of an ECWA University.

“To the glory of God, like the biblical Joseph, who interpreted dreams and saw them turn into reality, Prof. Yusufu not only dreamed of Bingham University but turned it into reality.

“Having seen his dream come to fruition, he has lived in its reality since joining the university, first as a distinguished professor of theology and now as the head of the department,” he emphasised.

Ayuba added that Turaki had shaped destinies and influenced generations of students and colleagues at Jos ECWA Theological Seminary (JETS) and Bingham University through scholarship, teaching, mentorship and service.

“Today, as he bows out from active service with Bingham University, Yusufu is a fulfilled dreamer, one who saw his visions come true and lived them to the full,” Ayuba said.

Delivering his valedictory lecture, Turaki urged the institution to strengthen its role in rebuilding Nigeria through faith, scholarship and service, while promoting peace, justice and ethical leadership among citizens.

He said the lecture was anchored on Matthew 5:14, which described believers as “the light of the world” and a city set on a hill that cannot be hidden.

Turaki said lecturers and other university staff should see themselves beyond their academic and administrative responsibilities, recognising their broader responsibility to shape character, values and ethical conduct among students and colleagues.

He described lecturers and staff as “pastors in the classrooms and offices” who must model integrity, honesty and fairness in their relationships, professional duties and interactions within the university community.

The Professor of Theology and Social Ethics at Bingham University urged universities to produce graduates who could contribute meaningfully to society, promote justice and peace, and provide ethical leadership across Nigeria.(NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru