Students return after Summer Break in Abia State, Nigeria

REPORT OF THE NIGERIAN INSTITUTE OF ARTS AND THEOLOGICAL STUDIES/BEAR VALLEY BIBLE INSTITUTE – NIGERIA

NTIGHA- ONITCHA NGWA, ABA, ABIA STATE

AUGUST 2026

INTRODUCTION

The students are back on campus, and academic activities have started. It is another opportunity to keep track of the journey so far in August. The school is grateful to God Almighty and to all the individuals and groups who are helping out in the work of the kingdom. May you all be blessed in Christ's name, amen.

RESUMPTION

The school resumed on the 8th of August 2026. We have both the old and new students on campus. The new students are eight (8) in number, while the old students are fifteen (15) in number. It is hoped that some others who sat for the intake exams will still report to school before the midterm break.

ACADEMIC ACTIVITIES

Academic activities started on the 10th of August. Amazingly, some students resumed even a week before the 8th of August. The school appreciates this fact; the students are beginning to enjoy their stay on campus.

LIBRARY

It is thrilling to report that the school library books continue to grow. Last time, the school reported the books that Chad brought from the US. In fact, this time, Chad bought 30 more scholarly books for the NIATS library. To this end, for effective use of the library and in the face of AI threats, the school has resolved that all students will resume a “Sustained Silent Reading” (SSR). This SSR time runs from 7 to 9 p.m., Monday to Wednesday. Furthermore, the students are required to first and foremost cite books from the library before citing online materials, if need be. It is one thing to have the books and yet another thing for the students to sit down and read and research the books. The school is very thankful to Chad and his team. The library is not there yet, as the school looks forward to having more books and an independent library building.

LECTURESHIP

On the 15th of August, the NIATS family welcomed participants from various congregations for a lectureship. The theme, “Theme Work Approach,” was discussed under various topics by seasoned preachers and teachers of the Word. The lectureship was intense. Chad Wagner and his wife, as well as Brother Greg and Lorie Kirk, were in attendance. The school is grateful for all the support. The provost of NCBC, Joe Obinna, PhD, and the Registrar, Dr. Samuel Okon, were also in attendance. Moreover, the school is grateful to the resource persons who graced the occasion, Mike Udam, PhD; Elijah Abire, FCA; Dr. Ikenna Chiozoadighi; and Dr. Chisara Umezurike. May our loving Father bless all who attended. We are also grateful to the faculty members and non-academic staff for their immense support.

Moreover, Solomon Usim, the Director of NIATS, was privileged to speak at the Rivers State Youth Lectureship with the theme: The Shift. Further, the Director spoke at the 63rd annual lectureship of the 46/48 Orodu Street, all in August. The Orodu lectureship had 4 baptisms.

FOOD AND MATERIAL SUPPORT

Chad Wagner supported the students with bags of rice, beans, garri, and some condiments. The food items mean a lot to the students. Some others received new mattresses donated by Chad. The school is very grateful for this support. At a time when the value of the naira has lost its bearing, such food support is indeed a relief. In fact, for the next two weeks, the students will be stable in their studies.

FUND RAISING FOR THE FENCING PROJECT

Since the host community granted the school management leave to set up a perimeter fence for the school, there has been a great effort to raise the funds. Chad Wagner encouraged the school by agreeing to match whatever funds the school is able to raise locally. This matching programme has gone a long way. Some brethren have sent in their contributions, and the school has been able to mold about four thousand (4000) blocks. The school solicits your prayers to enable her to have enough funds to start the perimeter fencing work properly.

CONCLUSION

The school continues to express her gratitude for the progress of the work. May we not faint!

Solomon Usim

Director, NIATS