BYU-Pathway Students in Lagos Defy the Rain to Invite Others to Embrace Education

Despite an early morning downpour, more than a hundred students, together with friends of BYU-Pathway Worldwide and children, braved the rain for an awareness event that included a fitness walk on the 26th of April, 2025.  Their goal was to create awareness about the increasing accessibility of higher education and to encourage participation in the newly opened Global Education Center (GEC) in Lagos.

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Earlier in the year, on February 15, 2025, Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, dedicated the Lagos GEC. Speaking at the event, Elder Christofferson emphasized the deeper purpose of learning. He said, “Our interest is learning, of course — higher education — but not just for the edification, the progress, and the development of the individual, but for what it qualifies that person to be in life and to contribute. President Russell M. Nelson has said that for us, learning is a religious responsibility, and it’s for the purpose of being able to serve, expanding our capacity, our abilities, and our qualifications to be of service to others.”

Victor B. Ukorebi, International Area Manager and Team Lead for BYU-Pathway in Africa, spoke at the event and highlighted the program's rapid growth in Africa, especially in Nigeria. “It’s a miracle, and I am deeply grateful and humbled,” he said. “I have never seen anything like this, and this is just the beginning. BYU-Pathway will continue to spread like wildfire until it has blessed people's lives in every community, city, and nation on earth.” He concluded with an open invitation: “We invite everyone—students, prospective students of BYU-Pathway, and friends of the Church—to come to the GEC and feel the joy of education.”

During the awareness walk, Victor Michael Nwikep, a resident of Lagos and a friend of the Church, was one of many newly introduced to BYU-Pathway. “I am not a member of the Church. I was contacted today during the walk, and I was amazed at what a church can do, almost for free,” he said. “I’m impressed by this wonderful opportunity offered by BYU-Pathway and the Church. I hope to use it to achieve my dream of a university education.” Many like Victor seek such opportunities to pursue degrees they may otherwise never afford.

Participants in the fitness and awareness walk expressed enthusiasm about sharing the opportunity with others. Chidinma Confidence Ebere from Ifako, Lagos, said, “I’m grateful for participating in today’s BYU-Pathway health and awareness walk. It was thrilling, refreshing, and insightful. We came in numbers and shared flyers with both young and old. I met several people who showed great interest in education.”

Similarly, Ekpo Bassey Ironba traveled over 12 hours from Port Harcourt to Lagos to take part in the walk and visit the GEC. “Participating in the awareness walk was a powerful experience,” he shared. “It allowed us to reach many people and highlight the benefits of BYU-Pathway. This program has been a life-changing opportunity, offering both academic and spiritual growth. It provides a supportive community where you can learn, collaborate, and connect with like-minded individuals.”

Uwem Edem, Manager of the Lagos GEC, encouraged students to take full advantage of the new facility equipped with free computers, internet access, and constant electricity. He described the event as a “walk, learn, and earn” activity, underscoring the connection between physical health, education, and opportunity. The atmosphere was filled with excitement and hope as participants looked to the future with renewed determination.