The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, has challenged lecturers, professors, students and other stakeholders in Nigeria’s education sector to embrace excellence, continuous learning and integrity as essential ingredients for academic and personal success.
Speaking virtually during the RCCG July 2026 Thanksgiving Service from the Mount Carmel Prayer Village in Ifewara, Osun State, Adeboye said education should be viewed as a lifelong journey rather than a destination. Preaching on the theme “Above Only”, drawn from Deuteronomy 28:1–13, he urged learners and educators to remain committed to constant improvement and refuse to become complacent regardless of their achievements.
Addressing students, the cleric emphasised that learning does not end with graduation or the acquisition of certificates. He encouraged them to continually acquire new knowledge, develop relevant skills and adapt to changing realities in an increasingly competitive world.
According to him, academic growth should be accompanied by character development, discipline and a determination to keep improving. He warned that remaining at the same level year after year amounts to stagnation, stressing that those who desire excellence must constantly seek new opportunities for growth and self-development.
Adeboye also reminded lecturers, professors and teachers that their responsibilities extend far beyond delivering lectures. He urged education professionals to serve as role models by demonstrating integrity, diligence and a passion for continuous professional development.
He noted that educators play a critical role in shaping future leaders and therefore must continually improve their knowledge and teaching methods to inspire students to achieve their full potential. According to him, excellence in education begins with educators who are committed to lifelong learning and mentorship.
The respected cleric further encouraged members of the academic community to combine intellectual excellence with compassion, humility and service to others. He explained that genuine success is sustained not only through hard work but also through showing mercy, supporting others and maintaining strong moral values.
He added that achieving success is only the first step, while sustaining it requires even greater commitment, discipline and consistency. For this reason, he urged students and lecturers not to become comfortable with past accomplishments but to continue striving for higher levels of excellence in their academic and professional pursuits.
Adeboye also offered prayers for students at all levels of education, lecturers, professors, teachers and administrators, asking God to grant them wisdom, understanding, protection and divine guidance. He prayed for peace and safety across educational institutions, particularly in view of security challenges that have affected schools in different parts of the country.
Also speaking, the Special Assistant to the General Overseer (Administration) and Pastor in Charge of RCCG Region 1, Pastor Oladele Balogun, advised students to remain disciplined, focused and dedicated to their studies while preparing themselves for future leadership responsibilities. He equally encouraged parents to pay closer attention to the welfare, security and educational development of their children, especially those in boarding schools.
Education stakeholders have described Adeboye’s message as a timely reminder of the values required to strengthen Nigeria’s education system. They noted that academic excellence, continuous learning, ethical leadership and character development remain indispensable for producing graduates capable of driving national development and competing successfully on the global stage.
