On 24 June 2023, a commencement ceremony for 134 Brigham Young University Pathway Worldwide graduates was held in Abuja Nigeria. The ceremony was held at the Wuse Stake Center of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The graduates had all completed the PathwayConnect certification program.
| Temple Square is always beautiful in the springtime. Gardeners work to prepare the ground for General Conference. © 2012 Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. | 1 / 2 |
Promise Okafor, speaking for the graduates said,” The PathwayConnect program has increased our desire to learn, our desire to grow, and our desire to serve others.” She added “Our greatest heights can now be reached, and we will become a source for good in Nigeria.”
In Abuja, there are several service missionaries who selflessly devote their time to assist students in their Pathway connect journey. “It has been a privilege to serve our Heavenly Father’s children and help them to become better citizens,” said Peters Ikwe, one of the service missionaries, and urged the students to,” build your lives so you will benefit from this foundation you have laid.”
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 can apply to earn a degree on-line from BYU-Idaho, 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 graduating class have already enrolled for an on-line degree.
BYUP-Abuja
Graduate being interviewed by Nigerian Television Authority.2023 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.The PathwayConnect program is certified by the National Universities Commission of Nigeria. Dr. Kayode Odedina, representing the NUC, noted Nigeria’s three-year relationship with the program and thanked the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for their commitment to provide quality post-secondary educational opportunities for Nigerians.
The Africa West Area Director of the PathwayConnect program, Victor B. Ukorebi, noted that the purpose of the program is to “provide affordable, on-line, and faith based educational opportunities for students in West Africa.”
Brother Awuquo Udobong, Director of On-line Institute Programs, discussed how the Seminary and Institute program of the Church partners with PathwayConnect to provide spiritual education as part of the student’s comprehensive learning experience. “While you are studying, the Institute classes can help you to grow closer to God, who will be your partner in successful learning.”
In his concluding remarks, Elder I. Raymond Egbo, Area Seventy of the Church in Abuja, told the students that,” the only thing that can stop you now are the limitations you put on yourself. You’ve already shown you can overcome challenges, now go out and change the world.”
Currently there are over 2700 students in the BYU Pathways Worldwide program in Nigeria. The graduation in Abuja was covered by the Nigerian Television Authority.