CU Celebrates 23rd Founder’s Day with Thanksgiving and Reflections

Africa’s leading private university, Covenant, on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, rolled out the drums in celebration of its 23rd Founder’s Day, marking over two decades of divine excellence since its establishment on October 21, 2002. The thanksgiving service, which held at the University Chapel, was filled with gratitude, worship, and reflections on God’s unwavering faithfulness to the institution.

In his address, the Chancellor and Chairman, Board of Regents of the University, Dr. David O. Oyedepo, expressed deep gratitude to God for His gracious hand upon the processes of founding and running of the University since inception. Speaking on the theme, “Genuine Gratitude: The Mystery in Scaling Great Altitudes,” Dr. Oyedepo emphasized that a lifestyle of gratitude has been the sustaining force behind Covenant University’s unparalleled achievements.

“Only a heart of gratitude can scale great altitudes,” he declared. “From inception, God instructed me to give everything back to Him. I obeyed that instruction literally, and from that day, God took over the affairs of this University. Since then, we have never experienced any form of strain or struggle in its running.”

The Chancellor further remarked that Covenant University’s story remains one of divine distinction; from steady growth in student enrollment to global recognition, standing out as a model of excellence not only in Nigeria but across Africa and beyond.

Drawing a parallel from the biblical story of King Uzziah, Dr. Oyedepo warned against complacency and ingratitude, stressing that the secret of Covenant’s continuous progress lies in maintaining a heart of thanksgiving.

“We are here today by divine grace. May we never walk away from the love and will of God as a University,” he prayed.

The Pro-Chancellor and Esteemed Regent of the institution, Pastor (Mrs.) Faith Oyedepo, also expressed profound appreciation to God for His faithfulness over the years.

“It is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our sight,” she said. “Twenty-three years ago, we danced in thanksgiving to God at the founding of this great vision, and today we are still dancing. We are like the one leper who returned to give thanks.”

She highlighted the tangible impact of the vision, as evident in the accomplishments of Covenant’s faculty, staff, students, and alumni, describing the University’s continued success as a testament to God’s grace.

“The vision is speaking through professors excelling globally, staff and students thriving, and Eagles soaring valiantly around the world. For all these, we can only say, ‘To God be the glory.’”

In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Timothy Anake, reiterated that the Founder’s Day was not merely a celebration of the University’s milestones but a celebration of Jesus Christ, the ‘Runner of the University.’

“Covenant University has become a global brand and Africa’s best private university. Our graduates are changing narratives all over the world,” he stated. He further urged all stakeholders to remain committed to the Vision 7-2030 agenda, which aims to position the University as a key player in the Fourth Industrial Revolution and a major driver of the Sustainable Development Goal on Industry, innovation and infrastructure (SDG 9).

“No one can arrive at a future he does not see,” he emphasized, echoing the words of the Chancellor.

Professor Anake also appreciated the faculty, staff, and students for their invaluable contributions to the University’s success story, while commending Covenant Eagles for their consistent impact across the globe.

Delivering goodwill remarks, the President-elect of the Covenant University Alumni Association, Mr. Segun Aremu, celebrated the outstanding achievements of Covenant graduates in diverse sectors. He highlighted examples such as Ife Durosinmi-Etti, Founder of Herconomy, who is transforming women’s financial empowerment; Dickson Nsofor, Founder of Kora Pay, advancing cross-border payment systems; and the trio behind PiggyVest, who are redefining digital savings and fintech innovation in Africa.

In governance and public service, Aremu mentioned Fuad Atanda-Lawal, who displayed exemplary leadership during his tenure as Executive Chairman of Ikoyi-Obalende LCDA, among several other distinguished alumni making global impact.

“We remain grateful to the Chancellor and Management of Covenant University for birthing a vision that empowers us to positively shape our world,” he concluded.

The 23rd Founder’s Day Celebration thus stood as a profound reminder of God’s faithfulness, the power of gratitude, and the enduring legacy of excellence that continues to define Covenant University’s journey.