By: Adekunle Victoria
photo credit : Internet
West Africa Theological Seminary, Ipaja, Lagos, has received full approval from the National Universities Commission (NUC) to operate as a degree-awarding tertiary institution in Nigeria.
This landmark accreditation authorizes WATS to independently award undergraduate degrees in Christian Religious Studies, marking a defining moment in the Seminary’s 40-year history of academic excellence and kingdom leadership development.
The NUC approval complements WATS’ existing academic affiliations with the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and Asbury Theological Seminary, USA, further strengthening the institution’s reputation as a globally connected center for theological education in Africa.
Speaking on the achievement, the Provost, Pastor Olufemi Emmanuel, PhD, stated: _”For decades, WATS pursued this national recognition and met every rigorous requirement. While we remain grateful for our international and local partnerships, this NUC approval affirms our capacity to deliver world-class theological training and award degrees under Nigeria’s highest academic regulatory framework.”
Founded in the early 1980s by American missionaries Professor Gary Maxey and Dr. Emma Lou Maxey, WATS is West Africa’s largest non-denominational theological seminary. Over the years, the institution has trained and deployed thousands of leaders serving across more than 100 Christian denominations and 20+ nations.
With this new status, WATS invites prospective students across Nigeria and the African continent to enroll in its newly NUC-accredited programs and be equipped for transformative leadership in the Church, academia, and society.
About WATS West Africa Theological Seminary is committed to raising Christ-centered leaders with academic excellence, spiritual depth, and global impact. For over four decades, WATS has served as a hub for theological training, research, and ministry development in Africa.
For Media Inquiries: WATS Office of Communication & MediaWest Africa Theological Seminary Ipaja, Lagos, Nigeria P Website: http://www.wats.edu.ng