New Center in Calabar, Nigeria, continues to be Successful
JANUARY TO MARCH REPORT FROM BEAR VALLEY BIBLE INSTITUTE, NIGERIA CALABAR CENTER
1. Introduction
The establishment of the Bear Valley Bible Institute, Nigeria, Calabar Center in July 2025 has significantly transformed the landscape of Bible training and gospel ministry in Calabar and its surrounding communities. The institute has generated renewed interest in structured Biblical education and ministerial preparation among Christians in the metropolis and nearby regions, and the activities in the first quarter of 2026 were not an exception.
2. Student Enrollment
The institute currently has twenty-four (24) enrolled students, consisting of 20 male students and 4 female students. These students have demonstrated commendable enthusiasm and commitment to the study of the Scriptures, gospel preaching, teaching, and evangelistic soul-winning. The students are up to date with their course learning, assignments, class tests, term paper writing, presentations, and course completion examinations.
3. Teaching Staff and Academic Structure.
The Calabar Center presently operates with three lecturers who rotate teaching responsibilities. The academic system is structured into monthly modules, with one course taught per month. Since the commencement of the program, the institute has successfully completed nine (9) courses, providing foundational and practical ministerial training to the students.
Month Lecturer
Jan. Min. Dr. N. E. Akpan
Feb. Min. Dr. S. B. Coco-Bassey
March Min. Dr. O. Cleopas
4. Major Achievements
i. Evangelistic Outreach
One major evangelistic outreach has been conducted since the inception of the school. The first outreach was conducted in January 2026, tagged Mega Evangelism. 7 souls were baptised into different congregations of the Lord's church. This development has brought glory to God and expanded the church in the community.
ii. Congregational Support Program.
The institute operates a weekly visitation roster through which students visit small and struggling congregations in and around Calabar. During these visits, students provide Bible teaching, encouragement, and spiritual support. Reports from these visits are submitted to the school for evaluation.
iii. Revival of a Weak Congregation
A notable success is the revival of a struggling congregation in Obio Nno Community, a remote island community. The school made a second visit to the faraway community for spiritual strengthening in February 2026. The congregation has begun to experience renewed participation and spiritual growth.
5. Challenges
Despite the encouraging progress, the institute faces some challenges:
i. Shortage of trained ministers in several remote congregations. In these places, the congregation depends on new converts to coordinate congregational activities.
ii. Difficult access to remote communities. This situation affects consistent ministerial support.
6. Requests and Future Opportunities.
There is an increasing request for the institute to extend Bible training to remote areas, particularly Eki West in Odukpani LGA of Cross River State. Establishing training opportunities in such communities will help raise indigenous gospel preachers and strengthen congregations in the region.
7. Exceptional Development
An encouraging development is the growing enthusiasm among local gospel preachers and Christians in the region for formal biblical training. This enthusiasm has created a strong call for the expansion of Bear Valley Bible Institute's training programs and the establishment of additional congregations.
8. Conclusion
The Bear Valley Bible Institute Nigeria, Calabar Center has made significant progress within a short period. With 24 students in training, three lecturers, nine completed courses, successful evangelistic outreaches, and revival of struggling churches, the institute is steadily advancing its mission of preparing faithful workers for the Lord’s vineyard. Continued support and expansion of the program will further strengthen gospel work and leadership development across Cross River State and beyond.
Dr. Nelson E. Akpan
Director
Calabar Center