In an effort to provide affordable high quality online education for Nigerians, the Brigham Young University (BYU)-Pathway Worldwide, sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has opened a new Global Education Centre in Lagos, Nigeria.

The centre, located in Opebi, Ikeja, will serve an increasing number of Nigerian students pursuing U.S.-accredited degrees at BYU-Idaho and Ensign College.

Speaking at the dedication of the centre at the weekend, President, BYU-Pathway Worldwide, Brian Ashton, said the all-inclusive education provided by the centre is affordable, qualitative and an opportunity to bless lives.

He added that BYU-Pathway enables people to enroll at the University, U.S. and then study online to acquire the necessary university qualifications.

The BYU-Pathway President said while students study, they also have the opportunity of getting remote jobs through which they earn income.

Ashton explained that BYU-Pathway Worldwide is a global higher education organisation that provides access to spiritually-based education for students, not only for members of the church but everybody who is qualified.

He revealed that some of the activities and services the centre offers through the PathwayConnect Programmes are programmes, where students can earn certificates and degrees in various fields, such as business, health, and technology.

According to him BYU-Pathway Worldwide partners with Brigham Young University-Idaho (BYU-Idaho) to offer online degree programmes.

“We have regular online gatherings that provide opportunities for students to connect with each other and with instructors.

“There are mentorship programmes where students are paired with mentors who provide guidance and support throughout their academic journey. There is the career counseling which offers career counseling services to help students explore career options and create a career plan,” he said.

He emphasised the heavily subsidised tuition fees and stated that the programme is open to all, regardless of religious affiliation.

Ashton stated that the Church is based on blessing lives rather than making a profit, claiming that the online format allows them to reach students all over the world at low cost. Scholarships for nearly 50 per cent of tuition are also available.

The church’s Africa West Area Presidency, Elder Adeyinka Ojediran said that the church values education and encourages all to be educated.

He stated that through the BYU-Pathway centre, many will get education, acquire knowledge and become future leaders.

Ojediran noted that the church’s investment in education is to make people self-reliant and useful to their home, congregation and communities.

He emphasised the church’s commitment to supporting the rising generation. “Our effort as a church is to help our rising generation grow in wisdom by gaining knowledge through education, grow in stature through healthy physical development, and find favour with God as they increase their spiritual learning,” he said.

He enjoined youths to grab the opportunity and get education.

Earlier, the church’s Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, Elder D. Todd Christofferson who dedicated the centre, lauded Nigerians and Africans for their resilience and hard work.

He encouraged them to stay on the covenant path and embrace the opportunity provided by the centre.

He also emphasised the importance of accessible higher education, citing the cost and convenience of online learning as key factors.