Summer Updates from Abia State, Nigeria
REPORT OF THE NIGERIAN INSTITUTE OF ARTS AND THEOLOGICAL STUDIES/ BEAR VALLEY BIBLE INSTITUTE – NIGERIA
NTIGHA- ONITCHA NGWA ABA ABIA STATE
JUNE 2026
INTRODUCTION
The NIATS family continues to express gratitude to God Almighty for His undeserved kindness toward everyone. The work of broadening the frontiers of the kingdom of Christ is gaining momentum. Therefore, there is need to sustain the tempo. Many preachers who had no formal Biblical education are at various Bear Valley Extension centers across Nigeria and beyond. One cannot comfortably quantify the sacrifice as well as the gains. The BV Family program is not just empowering preachers academically but has gone further to empower preachers’/teachers’ welfare. Some BV instructors have gotten their master’s degree in Biblical Studies. Others are upgrading to degree programs at sister institutions. The BV product has further intensified ministry activities. Thus, one does not take for granted this great endeavor. Our immense gratitude goes to all those working behind the scenes and those on the field at different levels.
ACADEMIC ACTIVITIES
The school is currently on a two-month break. The school vacated on the 23rd of May 2026. The resumption date is on the 8th of August. Moreover, some of the students are on internship. In order to give them more practical and congregational experience, two students (Winner Goodluck and Precious Ojinnaka) from NIATS are presently working with Orodu congregation Ajegunle Lagos, Lagos state. Another student (Kelechi Ogumka) is working with the PTI congregation at 4 Ejemuroke street off PTI road Warri, Delta state. These students have been teaching classes and going out for evangelism.
PROGRAMS
The school’s intake exam is scheduled for the 18th of August 2026. Subsequently, the school is planning to have a leadership programme on the 15th of August 2026. The school covets your prayers and support for success through these endeavors.
BAPTISM
The NIATS students on internship have so far recorded 6 baptisms in Lagos.
GOOD NEWS
The NIATS Family is pleased to bring to your notice that the long standing dispute with the host community has been duly resolved. The host community has since visited the school and given permission for the fencing of the entire school premises. This is a welcome development. The school, therefore, solicits your prayers and support as she hopes to begin the fencing project and other infrastructural development. Where the school fails to take up and complete the fencing project, nobody knows what the future would be like.
Secondly, four (4) of the just graduated students have secure preaching appointments with different congregations. Seren Ohiagu (Evang.) is preaching for the church of Christ Ihie Obeaku Ugwunagbo LGA Abia State. Ibeh Wisdom (Evang.) is preaching for the church of Christ Ndiakata, Obingwa LGA Abia state. Okechukwu Ugwumba (Evang.) will be moving to Enugu state to work with the church of Christ Anede Eha-Amufu. Finally, Chigaemezu Goodluck (Evang.) is preaching for the church of Christ Amuzu Iyiukwu in Osisioma Ngwa LGA. This is good development for the school. We need you to continue to pray for them as work in the vineyard of the Lord. Know that your support is valuable and rewarding.
CONCLUSION
The job is not done. However, we trust God to help us get the job done.
Solomon Usim,
Director, NIATS