BYU-Pathway Worldwide establishes centre in Lagos to provide affordable, quality education

BYU-Pathway Worldwide establishes centre in Lagos to provide affordable, quality education

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has officially commissioned the BYU-Pathway Worldwide Global Education Centre in Lagos, marking a significant step in its mission to provide accessible, high-quality education to Nigerians.

Adeyinka Odejiran, President First Counselor, Africa West Area Presidency emphasised the church’s commitment to supporting the rising generation, stating, “Our effort as a church is to help our rising generation grow in wisdom by gaining knowledge through education, grow in stature through healthy physical development, and find favour with God as they increase their spiritual learning.”

The centre will offer a range of educational programmes, students will also have access to free English classes, career counselling, and mentorship programmes.

Brian Ashton, President of BYU-Pathway Worldwide, highlighted the centre’s unique offerings, noting, “Students will have access to free computer use, high-speed internet, and opportunities to earn income through remote jobs while studying.”

The BYU-Pathway programme, which partners with Brigham Young University-Idaho (BYU-Idaho) and Ensign College, enables students to earn certificates and degrees online. Ashton explained that the initiative is designed to be affordable, with degree courses costing less than N400,000 for four years. “This is a place to gather, meet friends, and participate in wholesome activities that will bring participants closer to one another and to God,” he added.

D. Todd Christofferson, Elder of the church’s Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, who dedicated the centre, praised Nigerians for their resilience and hard work. “Africans are intelligent, disciplined, and hardworking. All they need is opportunity, and that’s what we’re hoping to provide,” he said. He also stressed the importance of education as a tool for service, quoting church President Russell M. Nelson: “Learning is a religious responsibility and is for the purpose of being able to serve others.”

The centre, equipped with computers and internet services, can accommodate up to 500 students at a time. It is open to both members of the church and non-members, reflecting the church’s inclusive approach to education. Victor Ukorebi, Senior Area Manager for Africa, noted that the facility is designed to support students academically, socially, and spiritually.

The launch event was attended by church leaders, including Matts Downs, Chairman of Career Advisory Board, J.D. Griffiths, Vice President of BYU Pathway Worldwide in charge of Global Education Centres, Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo, former Enugu State Deputy Governor, Prof. Lilian Oby Orogbu rep. Akwa North and South constituency.