How Adventist Church uses education to give people hope for better future –Kohler

By Gabriel Dike

General Secretary, Conference Seventh- day Adventist Church (SDA), Pastor Erton Kohler says the contributions of the Church in provision of quality education and health to member-country in Africa is to give assurance of hope for a better future and spiritual growth.

Kohler, who addressed newsmen at Babcock University (BU), Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State was accompanied on his first visit by top officials of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Among senior officials of SDA around to receive Kohler includes, Chancellor of BU, Pastor  Robert Osei-Bonsu; Pro-Chancellor of BU, Pastor Ishaya  Istifanus; Deputy Pro-Chancellor, Pastor Bassey Udoh; Deputy Pro-Chancellor, Pastor Ezekiel Adeleye; Executive Secretary, West Central Africa Division of SDA, Pastor Selom Sessou; Treasurer, West Central Africa Division of SDA, Pastor Musa Dangana; Vice President,  Student Development of BU, Pastor Sunday Audu; Vice President, Financial Administration of BU, Elder Ilesanmi Akande; Associate Secretary, West Central Africa Division of SDA, Pastor Nathan  Teye Odoakor and Vice Chancellor of BU, Prof. Ademola Tayo.

Kohler, who is the 2nd highest official of the Church in the world, said the Seventh-day Adventist Church would continue to provide education as a source of hope to people and promote their spiritual life.

He revealed that aside from religious events, Seventh-day Adventist Church is involved in humanitarian activities in troubled countries through its agency, which donates health items, foods and education materials to the affected people.

According to him, SDA operates one of the largest educational networks in the world with over 106 universities. In Nigeria, SDA has Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, Clifford University, Abia State and a college in the North.

Kohler explained that SDA prioritizes the message of the Bible, which is anchored on hope and shares it with people around the world as well as carry out humanitarian activities in some countries.

He said SDA is the modern approach of Jesus Christ ministry, it provides educational services, operates hospitals and agency to assist people in need. The SDA scribe acknowledged that through education, the Church prepares people to become better citizens, read and preach the Bible to others.

“Our education support is achieving results and now many people including girls have hope through access to quality education and hospital. We are assisting many countries to reduce their illiteracy problem.”

Speaking about BU, Kohler described the university as SDA’s biggest institution in Africa, “we are pleased with what is happening in BU.”

Kohler said SDA is present in 126 countries and the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) support education, livelihood and disaster in different countries, adding,” Our goal is to provide children with quality education. We believe that if we invest in education, we will change the narrative.”

In his address, BU Vice Chancellor, Prof. Tayo, acknowledged that SDA has continued to support BU in several areas.

He said SDA accreditation criteria is tougher than the National Universities Commission (NUC) set of criteria and the members cut across many countries.

Prof. Tayo disclosed that with a population of over 12,000 students, BU would continue to deliver quality education to people, who are also expected to spread hope through their engagements with people .

The VC revealed that Kohler is visiting Nigeria for the first time and he is expected to interact with SDA and BU leadership.

Six-year-old Nfor Raphaella Esther, Babcock University Staff pupil presented flower bouquet to Pastor Erton Kohler.