On 2 September 2023, BYU-Pathway Worldwide hosted a completion ceremony in Uyo, Nigeria for 75 students who had finished PathwayConnect. Leaders from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and educators came together to celebrate the achievement of the students and offer encouragement as they move forward with their educational goals.
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PathwayConnect courses are designed to help students learn basic skills and gain the confidence and abilities needed to succeed in college and in life. Skills learned include critical decision making, goal setting, time management, teamwork, collaboration, study skills, budgeting, and career planning.
After successfully completing PathwayConnect, students continue on to earn certificates and degrees on-line from BYU-Idaho or Ensign College, consider a local college or university, get a new or improved employment opportunity, or pursue a variety of other options. Some of the students from this class have already enrolled in an on-line degree program.
BYU-Pathway has really taken hold in Nigeria. “We expect to have over 10,000 students enrolled in the program in 2024," said Victor Ukoribi, BYU-Pathway International Area Manager. "Currently Nigeria has the highest enrollment worldwide.”
At the ceremony, Elder Odion Charles Oide, an Area Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, shared a message of gratitude and hope. He emphasized the profound impact of BYU-Pathway not only on Church members but on the entire world. "BYU-Pathway is a blessing to members of the Church and the entire world," he remarked. Elder Oide invited the completers to become exemplary representatives of the Church and to seize the countless educational opportunities offered by the Church. His heartfelt admonition to uphold honesty and integrity resonated deeply with the audience.
The ceremony continued with a powerful address by Prof. Lawrence Usip from the Department of Animal and Environmental Biology at the University of Uyo. He encouraged the students to lead active and productive lives, emphasizing the importance of putting their certifications to good use and continuously acquiring more knowledge.
Imaobong Daniel Eduok, the student speaker, delivered a heartfelt message drawn from Doctrine & Covenants 93:26, "the glory of God is intelligence." She expressed deep gratitude to the Church for blessing Nigeria with BYU-Pathway and providing discounted tuition for all students. Eduok passionately admonished her fellow graduates not to stop at PathwayConnect but to aspire to attain higher educational degrees.
Brother Ukorebi highlighted the transformative power of BYU-Pathway Worldwide education, emphasizing that it prepares graduates to become natural leaders at home, in the Church, and in their communities. Ukorebi passionately charged the graduates to use their newfound knowledge to not only improve themselves but also to serve others.
The BYU-Pathway ceremony in Nigeria was a poignant reminder of the transformative power of education within the Church and beyond. It highlighted the importance of integrity, leadership, service, and continuous learning, values that will guide these graduates as they embark on their future endeavors.