THE ANNUAL NON-DENOMINATIONAL THANKSGIVING / REDEDICATION SERVICE

The University of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences (UAES), Umuagwo, held a Non-Denominational Thanksgiving/Rededication Service on Wednesday, 21 January 2026, at 11:00 a.m., at the All Saints Anglican Chaplaincy, UAES. The service was organised to thank God for the progress of the University and to rededicate the institution to divine guidance in the new academic year.

The service was officiated by Rev. Canon Mike Okoro, Rev. Canon Dr. Benedict Nlemchukwu, and Rev. Fr. Dr. Henry Eboh. The Ag. Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Christopher C. Eze, led members of the University Management, alongside other principal officers, staff, and students, in attendance.

The programme featured praise and worship, Bible readings, intercessory prayers, thanksgiving offerings, and special prayers for the University Management, staff, students, and the overall growth and stability of the institution. The First Bible Reading was taken by the Ag. Vice-Chancellor, Prof. C. C. Eze, while the Second Bible Reading was taken by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Assoc. Prof. Obinna Adumanya.

 Sermon:

The sermon was anchored on Ephesians 6:10, with emphasis on the exhortation to “be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.” The minister urged Christians among members of staff and the University community to place their trust in God, remain steadfast in faith, and rely on divine strength in the discharge of their duties and in all aspects of life.

 Address by the Ag. Vice-Chancellor:

In his address, the Ag. Vice-Chancellor thanked God for bringing members of the University community together at the beginning of the 2026 academic year and expressed gratitude for divine preservation and renewed strength to work harder in advancing the University’s mandate. He specifically thanked God for using his administration to facilitate staff promotions, including the elevation of three (3) Professors, thirteen (13) Readers, and other staff members across various cadres, and prayed for greater accomplishments under his leadership in the year ahead.

The Vice-Chancellor urged staff members to rededicate themselves to improved service delivery, professionalism, and loyalty to the University, while also encouraging them to appreciate and protect the institution. He cautioned teaching staff against maltreatment, harassment, or extortion of students, reminding them that today’s students could become tomorrow’s benefactors. Similarly, he advised students to refrain from harassing lecturers, to remain focused on their studies, and to uphold discipline and respect within the academic environment.

He concluded by appreciating the clergy and the Church for their continued spiritual support to the University and offered prayers for a more prosperous future, expressing the hope that the year 2026 would bring greater achievements and blessings to all members of the University community.

At the close of the service, the Host Chaplain made a number of announcements and expressed appreciation to the officiating clergy, University Management, principal officers, staff, students, and all members of the University community who were present. The programme concluded with closing prayers and the benediction.

The service was conducted in a solemn and peaceful atmosphere and successfully achieved its objective of fostering gratitude, spiritual reflection, and renewed commitment among members of the University community.

 -Emmanuella C. Okpara

Ag. Coord. IPRP Unit