Chancellor Charges Covenant University Graduands to Build Capacity and Maintain Spirituality
The Chancellor of Covenant University, Dr. David O. Oyedepo, has charged the graduating class of 2025, the University’s 20th set of Eagles, to remain steadfast in their spirituality as they venture into a world he described as morally decadent.
Dr. Oyedepo gave the charge during the 2025 Convocation Ceremony tagged ‘Release of Eagles 2025,’ held on Friday, October 10, 2025, at the Covenant University Chapel. Speaking in his characteristic fatherly tone, he admonished the graduands to continue to pursue God passionately, noting that a reverent walk with God guarantees a meaningful life and an enduring legacy.
Anchoring his message on the University’s Seven Core Values, the Chancellor emphasized that maintaining a Possibility Mentality empowers individuals to overcome fear and live by faith, thereby achieving seemingly impossible feats. He noted that this mindset, coupled with spiritual resilience, positions them to become leaders in their chosen fields.
Dr. Oyedepo further urged the graduands to build capacity and develop competence early, as great responsibilities are only entrusted to those who have prepared themselves. “No one commits serious responsibility to a careless person,” he said, stressing that diligence and preparation are the bedrocks of greatness.
He encouraged the students not to be discouraged by early mockers of their destiny, but to stay focused on what is right, even when misunderstood. Citing the biblical example of Joseph, he recalled how Joseph resisted the temptations of Potiphar’s wife and endured imprisonment for his integrity, yet he rose to become Prime Minister of Egypt.
“There is always a scar for every sacrifice,” he noted, “but the reward of endurance far outweighs the pain of the process.” He also referenced Apostle Paul, who was once dismissed as a mere “babbler,” but later became a foremost apostle whose writings make up two-thirds of the New Testament.
Dr. Oyedepo admonished the graduating students not to leave their lives to chance, warning that “anyone who lives by chance has no chance at all.” He charged them to arise, take responsibility, and stand firm in their convictions, adding that “if you don’t stand for something, you will fall for everything.”
He reiterated the importance of holding firmly to the teachings and values imparted at Covenant University, particularly the Seven Core Values, as tools for global impact. “Take the world by storm,” he said, “but do it with the values that made you who you are.”
The Pro-Chancellor, Pastor (Mrs.) Faith Oyedepo, in her motherly address, congratulated the graduating students for their perseverance through academic challenges and reminded them never to drift from the spiritual foundations laid during their time at Covenant University. She urged them to reflect integrity, compassion, and excellence in their respective professions, whether as engineers, doctors, teachers, or entrepreneurs, and to become the change agents the world awaits.
“The University is looking forward to hearing great testimonies of your exploits,” she said, “as you go forth to make Jesus proud in every sphere of influence.”
In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Timothy Anake, congratulated the 20th graduating class and reminded them that much is expected of them as ambassadors of Covenant University in the Vision 7–2030 era. He encouraged them to pursue excellence relentlessly and to positively impact their generation with the virtues instilled in them over the years.
Professor Anake expressed gratitude to God for the life and leadership of Dr. David O. Oyedepo, whose obedience to divine instruction birthed the Covenant University vision. He prayed that the graduating Eagles would soar high and continue to uphold the legacy of excellence for which the institution is globally renowned, thereby fulfilling the Sustainable Development Goal 4 on Quality Education (SDG 4).