The President of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, Rev. Dr. Israel Adelani Akanji, FNADM, on Monday led a high-powered delegation of the Convention to the Government House, Little Rayfield, Jos, where they paid a courtesy visit to the Executive Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang.
Rev. Dr. Akanji explained that the visit was primarily to express the Conventionโs profound gratitude to the Governor for his consistent support to Baptist institutions and missions, particularly in the education sector. He noted that the Governorโs timely intervention had been instrumental in the reconstruction of sections of the Baptist School Jos, which was recently damaged by a rainstorm.
โThe Baptist denomination has been present in Nigeria since 1850 and for more than 170 years, has contributed significantly to the moral, spiritual, and educational development of the nation,โ Dr. Akanji stated. โOur legacy schools, such as the Baptist Boysโ High School, Abeokuta, have produced some of the countryโs most illustrious leaders. We are grateful that Governor Mutfwang shares our vision of preserving these mission schools that have shaped generations through godly training.โ
He reaffirmed the Conventionโs commitment to partnering with government in advancing education and healthcare, pledging that the denomination would continue to โwork together and labour together until the mission of adding value to society is fulfilled.โ
The President also expressed gratitude to the Governor for appointing one of their alumni, Mrs. Helen Chundusu, as a Permanent Secretary in his administration.
Responding, Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang commended the Baptist Church for its enduring contributions to the growth of education and healthcare in Nigeria, describing it as one of the pioneer missionary denominations in the country.
โAs a student of church history, I am deeply aware of the invaluable role of the Baptist movement in the body of Christ globally,โ the Governor said. โNot many people realize that the Baptist denomination was among the earliest to establish its presence in Nigeria. While you may not boast the largest structures, your missionary impact has reached far and wide across the country, including here in Plateau State.โ
The Governor, recalling his personal association with the Baptist Chapel at the University of Jos while as student, lauded the establishment of institutions such as Bowen University, which he described as โone of the leading private universities in Nigeria today.โ
โThese are not private institutions in the commercial sense, but rather quasi-public institutions established not for profit, but for service to humanity,โ he emphasized. โMoving forward, I will continue to advocate, even at the federal level for their preservation, because the church has been at the forefront of education in Nigeria, benefitting people of all faiths. We must not allow the gates of these institutions to be shut.โ
Governor Mutfwang further highlighted the role of Baptist schools in raising leaders of integrity across Nigeria and assured the Convention of his administrationโs continued partnership in nurturing young minds and strengthening health systems.
โFor us, the services you render go beyond Nigeria. They directly benefit Plateau State as well. Be assured that we will continue to work together and labour together until Godโs purpose for establishing these institutions is fulfilled,โ he concluded.
The meeting ended with mutual assurances of collaboration between the Plateau State Government and the Nigerian Baptist Convention in promoting education, healthcare, and moral development for the benefit of the people.
Gyang Bere
Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Executive Governor of Plateau State
August 18, 2025.
