Prof. Felix Enegho Delivers 22nd Inaugural Lecture at PAAU Anyigba, Calls for Church Committed to Humanity, Ethical Leadership and National Development

A Professor of Church History and Missiology, Prof. Felix Ehimare Enegho, has called on the Church and all people of goodwill to embrace a holistic mission that promotes human dignity, ethical leadership, peaceful coexistence, and sustainable societal development.  

Prof. Enegho made the call while delivering the 22nd Inaugural Lecture of Prince Abubakar Audu University, PAAU, Anyigba. The lecture, titled _“On the Move for the Carpenter's Son and Humanity in Historical and Missiological Contexts,” held at the University Auditorium.  

In the lecture, he explored the historical development of Christianity, the evolution of missionary enterprise, and the enduring relevance of faith in addressing contemporary human challenges.  

Prof. Enegho stated that the Church’s mission extends beyond evangelism to include the promotion of justice, peace, education, human development, and responsible citizenship. He stressed that authentic Christianity must transform both individuals and society.  

He described Church History as the systematic study of Christian activities and contributions through the ages, while defining Missiology as the discipline that examines the Church’s missionary mandate, methods, and impact across cultures.  

According to him, Christianity has significantly shaped Nigeria’s evolution by contributing to education, healthcare, national integration, and leadership development, with missionary activities laying foundations for modern Nigerian society.  

The Professor noted that effective evangelisation requires sincerity, cultural sensitivity, and concern for humanity. He urged the Church to communicate the Gospel through both words and practical service that meet people’s physical and spiritual needs. He also emphasized the role of language in mission work, citing the early Church at Pentecost as a model for communicating in accessible, meaningful ways.  

On church growth, Prof. Enegho identified sound methodology, quality education, healthcare, social welfare, vocational empowerment, and community development as key to effective evangelisation and sustainable expansion.  

He further advocated interreligious dialogue, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence between Christians and Muslims as essential for national unity. On leadership, he said the Church contributes to nation-building by promoting moral values, peace, good governance, and civic participation.  

The Inaugural Lecturer also stressed inculturation, urging the Nigerian Church to understand indigenous cultures and adapt Christian teachings to local realities without compromising core doctrines. He noted the contributions of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal to spiritual renewal, prayer, and lay participation, and called for greater cooperation among Christian groups.  

On migration, development, and mission, he explained that the movement of peoples has historically shaped the spread of Christianity and national development. He also challenged Christians on environmental stewardship, saying believers must act as faithful stewards of creation amid growing environmental degradation.  

Concluding, Prof. Enegho said being _“On the Move for the Carpenter's Son”_ represents a commitment to integrity, service, hard work, justice, compassion, and human advancement. He added that education should produce professionals who combine competence with wisdom, moral responsibility, and commitment to the common good.  

Earlier, the Chairman of the Inaugural Lecture Committee congratulated Prof. Enegho on the milestone and his contributions to Church History and Missiology.  

In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Salisu Ogbo Usman, described the lecture as the fifth since he assumed office on February 11, 2026, and called the theme timely for addressing compassion, justice, ethical leadership, peace, and human dignity. He noted the interdisciplinary relevance of Church History and Missiology to history, sociology, philosophy, political science, and communication.  

Prof. Usman reaffirmed PAAU’s commitment to teaching, research, innovation, and character development, and commended the Committee for sustaining the University’s culture of scholarship. He presented the inaugural lecture certificate, plaque, and medal to Prof. Enegho.  

The event attracted members of University Management, Senate, staff, students, religious leaders, traditional rulers, alumni, scholars, and guests from within and outside the University.