BYU-Pathway Brings Education to Youth With a Focus on Helping Them Become True Disciples of Jesus Christ

Over 1200 youth in the stakes in the Ibadan Coordinating Council Area of Nigeria gathered in Ilaji Resort, Ibadan, Nigeria, for a weeklong FSY Summit from August 12-16, 2024. The theme of the FSY Submit was on developing into disciples of Jesus Christ.

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Nigeria has the 9th most members of the Church worldwide with over 232,000 members in the country, and with The Church still growing rapidly there, there is a concerted effort to help prepare the youth to become future leaders. In that regard, BYU-Pathway has become a beacon of hope for the rising generation not only in Nigeria but in other African countries as well. This year alone, enrolment has tripled in Nigeria, with over 10,000 students already enrolled.

Speaking in one of the sessions at the FSY summit, the International Area Manager for BYU-Pathway Worldwide, Victor Ukorebi, introduced the concept of a school in Zion, stressing that attending a school in Zion will prepare the youth to become true disciples of Jesus Christ. He said, "BYU-Pathway is a school in Zion. Zion is where true disciples are gathered, whether in wards or stakes. You can attend a school in Zion (BYU-Pathway) wherever you are planted." Brother Ukorebi concluded by referencing Elder David A. Bednar's comments that BYU-Pathway is a "disciple preparation center."

The FSY Coordinator, Peter Akpantaku, expressed gratitude for the blessings of BYU-Pathway. Commenting on the impact of the program and of the event, he said, "Dr. Victor Ukorebi and his team brought great hope to each youth during their visit to the FSY Submit. A lot of the youth who had not heard about BYU-Pathway were not only privileged to hear and ask questions on how to get enrolled but were also given BYU-Pathway shirts, which gave them a sense of belonging and served as a reminder for all to enrolled into BYU-Pathway."

The presence of the BYU Pathway team has helped the youth to set key goals and values that enable them to understand that educational goals and career pursuits are essential parts of being a disciple of Jesus Christ. BYU-Pathway prepares the students to become leaders at their homes, within the Church, and in their communities.

Beauty Ogbonna, a participant in the FSY, expressed joy by saying, "Since I started BYU-Pathway, my communication skills have improved. I have finished my BYU-Pathway Connect and am completing my degree program. I am happy for who I am becoming through my education at BYU-Pathway".

Kenneth Ayomide, a participant at the FSY, expressed his appreciation for the program saying, "Hearing those words from BYU representative gave me a lot of hope. I am happy that I don't need to pay huge amounts to attend any university in Nigeria. I can enrol freely and get the quality education I have always wanted. I hope to learn valuable skills that will help me get employment. I can't wait to return home from FSY Camp and enrol in BYU-Pathway."

The youth proudly adorned themselves in BYU-Pathway shirts and waved to the sky as a sign of commitment to become lifelong learners starting with BYU-Pathway. With BYU-Pathway, the future of these African saints will be brighter.