REPORT OF THE NIGERIAN INSTITUTE OF ARTS AND THEOLOGICAL STUDIES/ BEAR VALLEY BIBLE INSTITUTE – NIGERIA
NTIGHA- ONITCHA
AUGUST 2025
INTRODUCTION
The month of August was a month of preparation, rearrangements, and getting acquainted with the new students and the environment. We are just thankful to God for the new entrants. We are also thankful that the old students returned to school safe and sound. As we reflect on the gains of the past month, we pray for grace through the new month. There is much to do and there is work on every hand.
ACADEMIC ACTIVITIES
On the 15th of August, the instructors held a management meeting to enable the school to navigate the new semester. Courses were allocated and the calendar for the new session drawn. The lecturers have since started classes, and the new students are excited. The students are introduced to outlining books and term paper research. The new students are getting used to the environment fondly called “The Valley of Strong Men.” We are grateful for all the support that has kept the school as a going concern.
RESUMPTION
The school vacated on the 25th of July. The student went home for the short holidays. On the 12th of August 2025, the students returned to school. It was exciting to watch the older students return. Some of them have been elevated to the student leadership. This was done to prepare them for the incoming students. As of the time of this report, there are twelve new students. They are very excited to be here and we give thanks to the Almighty God for the new intake. There is expectation that more students will come in before the close of admission. Please keep us in your prayers. It is thrilling to report the first female student ever in the history of NIATS/BEAR VALLEY resumed this session in the person of Miss Hope Teikere. She completed the senior school certificate examination at an early age. She could not proceed to the university immediately. She opted to study the Bible while waiting to attain the relevant age.
LIBRARY
The library continues to grow. The Director bought some books on “Preacher Training and Church Growth.” Another set on the “American Ancestry of the Churches of Christ.” The largest set came from Chad Wagner. The books include volumes of “Truth for Today” and copies of Kerry Duke’s works. We are thankful for the books so far secured. Gradually, the library materials will be up to date. The interesting thing is these books are current works. It is becoming easier for the students to write with new books on the shelf. They make their photocopies and print them in the library. However, more computers are needed to enable the students to type their works by themselves. This can help them learn how to use the digital library, too.
RENOVATION
It was thrilling to have Chad Wagner visit NIATS on the 12th. We went around the school and assessed the level of things. It was clear that the hostel needs some painting and renovation. This is to enable the students to have more comfortable accommodation. The funds provided by Chad have since been put to use. Some old windows have been removed and new ones fitted. This is to keep mosquitoes away so that the students will not come down with malaria. There are also plans to secure a new borehole and get treated water for drinking. Where the rest of the windows are fitted, and the water is treated, then the students will rarely fall sick. The students are getting a level of comfort and the community is happy about it. Though there’s much to be done still, we are grateful for the step in the right direction.
CONCLUSION
We give God all the glory for another opportunity to fulfil the ministry. We are also thankful for the support from the Bear Valley family, Chad Wagner, and other congregations and individuals supporting the school. We shall continue to work hard and grow the school. Your prayers are highly coveted as we begin the new semester.
SOLOMON I. USIM
DIRECTOR (NIATS)