Babcock University, one of Nigeria's premier private institutions, welcomed Erton C. Köhler, executive secretary of the General Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, from February 7 to 8, 2025, for a visit aimed at reinforcing faith, education, and service.

Köhler described the experience as a "privilege" and a "memorable" opportunity to connect with the Adventist academic community in Nigeria.

As a key leader of a global movement encompassing over 22.3 million members, 175,000 churches, and 8,500 institutions worldwide, including 106 universities, Köhler reaffirmed the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s commitment to education, healthcare, and humanitarian efforts.

Addressing students and faculty, he emphasized the importance of faith-based learning and community service, underscoring the church’s mission to foster hope and social transformation.

During his visit, Köhler highlighted the Adventist Church's global humanitarian initiatives, notably through ADRA, the Adventist humanitarian organization.

He cited ADRA's interventions in Ukraine and Pakistan as examples of the Church’s ongoing efforts to support vulnerable communities. Additionally, he underscored the significance of investing in children and empowering local leaders to drive meaningful societal change.

The visit was not only an opportunity for inspiration but also for strategic learning. Köhler expressed keen interest in understanding Babcock University’s strengths and challenges, with the goal of replicating similar institutions in other regions to advance the church’s mission worldwide.

A Leading Institution in Africa

Babcock University, located in Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria, is one of the largest and most prestigious Seventh-day Adventist institutions of higher learning in Africa.

Established in 1959 as the Adventist College of West Africa, it was granted university status in 1999.

Today, the institution boasts a diverse student body of over 12,000 students from various countries, offering undergraduate and postgraduate programs in fields such as medicine, law, business, and theology.

Notably, it is home to Nigeria’s first private medical school, which has trained hundreds of medical professionals. Babcock University continues to uphold the Adventist mission of holistic education, integrating spiritual, intellectual, and social development.

A Call to Urgency in Mission

Köhler’s visit culminated in his sermon at Babcock University, where he urged church leaders and members to embrace the urgency of mission.

He referenced three biblical urgencies drawn from the book of Revelation: the enemy’s urgency to destroy (Revelation 12:12), Jesus’ urgency to save (Revelation 1:3; 22:20), and the believers’ urgency to fulfill the mission (Revelation 14:6). Stressing the need for action, he reminded the audience that mission is accomplished through simple, life-changing acts of kindness and faith.

Quoting Ellen White’s Patriarchs and Prophets, Köhler emphasized the importance of reaching lost souls before it is too late. He further articulated the Adventist Church’s mission priority of preparing people for Christ’s return, citing Matthew 24:14: "And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come."

The visit also served as a platform for reinforcing the church’s global vision. Köhler outlined five key mission imperatives: affirming Christ’s imminent return, ensuring the global reach of the gospel, guaranteeing the certainty of its fulfillment, acknowledging mission as a miracle, and fostering strategic evangelism.

Among the dignitaries present were Robert Osei-Bonsu, president of the West-Central Africa Division (WAD); Selom Sessou, WAD executive secretary; Markus Musa Dangana, WAD Treasurer, along with other WAD and national church leaders.

Babcock University’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ademola Tayo. Prof. Tayo expressed gratitude for the visit, emphasizing the university’s dedication to upholding global best practices in education and mission.

Köhler’s message of urgency and hope resonated deeply with the Adventist community in Nigeria, reinforcing the call to remain steadfast in faith and mission. His visit reaffirmed the Adventist Church’s commitment to holistic education, humanitarian service, and the proclamation of the gospel in an ever-changing world.

This article was provided by the West-Central Africa Division.