ANUC Pays Courtesy Visit To Prof Haruna Kuje Ayuba

The Association of Nigerian University Chaplains, ANUC, has paid a courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor of Bingham University, Professor Haruna Kuje Ayuba, during the ANUC North-Central Zonal Conference.

During the visit, the National President of ANUC, Bishop Olukayode Ajibade, expressed appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor and the University Management for granting the Association access to the university and for providing an enabling environment to host its zonal conference.

The President noted that ANUC brings together university chaplains from across Nigeria to strengthen one another through fellowship, shared experiences and mutual encouragement, particularly in the face of challenging times confronting the nation. He emphasized the importance of chaplains supporting one another, drawing from the biblical principle that "iron sharpens iron."

The Association also commended the leadership of Bingham University for its support and encouraged the Vice-Chancellor to continue his efforts in advancing the university and its mission.

He commended the Association for its important work in universities, particularly its role in engaging young people and contributing to their spiritual growth and character development. He noted that university chaplains have a unique role in helping to produce well-rounded graduates, stressing that university education should extend beyond academic excellence to include good character, values and responsible citizenship.

He encouraged the Association to remain committed to its mission and urged the chaplains to continue praying for Nigeria during the challenging times facing the country.

The visit culminated in the presentation of a plaque of appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor in recognition of his distinguished service to God and humanity and his support for the vision and mission of ANUC.

Delivering the keynote address during the conference, Professor Ayuba used Luke 1:1–2 to emphasize the university campus as a strategic mission field, bringing together people of diverse backgrounds, cultures, beliefs and disciplines.

He challenged university chaplains to adopt relational, inclusive and contextual approaches that respond to the unique realities of the university environment and contribute to the spiritual and leadership development of young people. 

He stressed that university chaplaincy requires a different ministry approach from traditional denominational settings, urging chaplains to engage students and staff on contemporary issues such as technology, artificial intelligence, social justice, mental health and environmental concerns. He described university chapels as incubation centres for spiritual and societal transformation, where faith can be connected with academic, professional and personal life.

Drawing lessons from Dr. Luke, the Vice-Chancellor highlighted the importance of careful observation, research, diligent study, documentation and orderly communication. He encouraged chaplains to maintain proper records of their activities and adopt a holistic understanding of human life that recognises the relationship between faith, science, knowledge and wellbeing.

Using Luke 1:1–4, he outlined five principles for effective ministry: originality, discipleship, diligent study, orderliness in message delivery and targeted outcomes. He urged chaplains to move beyond conventional chapel services through mentorship, discussion groups, training and sensitisation, while inspiring integrity, servant leadership, ethical decision-making and responsible citizenship among students and staff.

As the conference concluded, participants were encouraged to return to their respective institutions with a renewed commitment to impact lives, strengthen campus ministry and contribute to the spiritual and societal transformation of Nigeria.