The West Africa Theological Seminary (WATS), Ipaja, Lagos has appointed an Associate Professor of the New Testament, Dr. Daudu Gava, as its new provost.
Dr. Gava’s appointment is coming eight months after the death of the former provost, Pastor Oluwafemi Martins. The appointment brings to seven, the number of provosts that have served the institution since an American missionary, Prof. Gary Maxey established it in Nigeria in 1989.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of WATS Governing Council, Dr. Emmanuel Oluwayemi, who expressed appreciation to God said: “Tough times don’t last, but tough people do. Leaders solve problems and see solutions because every problem has a solution. Today, God has answered our prayers because he has given WATS a new provost.”
Presenting Gava to the audience, Oluwayemi said: “WATS has steadfastly passed through eight long months under the interim leadership of Dr. Tosin Awolalu, after the very unwelcome passing of our beloved Provost, Pastor Olufemi Martins.”
Expressing gratitude to Dr. Awolalu’s steadfastness, the founder of the institution Prof. Gary Maxey in his message, which was read on his behalf said: “Today is the most proper and appropriate time for all of us to sing and celebrate with the appointment and the assumption of office by our new provost, Dr. Dauda Gava. I wish to register my backing of this development. I have known Dr. Gava for well over 10 years, and have been with him in Lagos and Adamawa states, as well as the United States of America. I have seen him display a very firm love for WATS and a long-standing desire to be part of this institution.”
The General Secretary of the EYN Church of the Brethren in Nigeria, Rev. Daniel Mbaya in his remarks described Dr. Gava as “one of the few outstanding men that EYN is releasing to WATS, as a partnership with WATS to promote the agenda of advancing God’s kingdom as practiced by EYN and WATS.” He urged WATS’ members to support him through prayers and other possible ways.
“Dr. Gava has become the link between the North and the South, which has opened the ground for partnership between WATS and EYN for leadership training and kingdom advancement,” the EYN scribe said.
While appreciating God for his appointment, the new provost noted that it was a new time and a new beginning for WATS, adding that everything will be done accordingly to enable the seminary stand for its vision and mission.
He promised to work closely with the Governing Council Chairman for the progress of the school and commended Dr. Awolalu for a job well done during his tenure, as acting provost.
Others at the event included the Vice Chairman of WATS Governing Council, Dr. Kelvin Tapere; Director of Administration, Dr. Tosin Awolalu, lecturers and council members.
