Mr. Sodipo Olumuyiwa Olubunmi has on Saturday been conferred with a Doctorate Degree in Ecotheology and Palynological Studies by the Global Christian-Care Biblical University and Chaplaincy College (GCBUCC), during the institution’s graduation and ordination ceremony held at the NLNG Hall, Faculty of Technology, University of Ibadan.
The event, themed “The Role and Relevance of Christian-Care in Advancing Higher Biblical Theological Education: A Strategic Missional Initiative for Africa, Europe, Asia and America,” drew together an array of scholars, clergy, and Christian leaders from across the country to celebrate academic excellence and spiritual dedication.
Speaking during the ceremony, the President and Rector General of GCBUCC, Chaplain Professor Samuel O. Ferguson, said the university’s mission goes beyond awarding degrees to producing biblically grounded, spiritually disciplined, and globally competent leaders who will transform nations through righteousness, service, and truth.
He stated, “Education, when anchored in the Word of God, becomes a weapon of liberation, equipping the mind, strengthening the spirit, and healing the nations.”
Ferguson further called for partnerships and financial support to strengthen theological education and sustain global missionary work.
Among the graduands was Mr. Sodipo, who emerged as one of the institution’s newest Doctors of Philosophy. Coming from a background in the pure sciences with a B.Sc. in Botany from the University of Lagos and an M.Sc. in Botany (Palynology) from the University of Ibadan, he described his journey into Ecotheology as “a new vista and a fresh perspective.”
He explained that Ecotheology is a multidisciplinary field that bridges faith and the environment, examining how religious worldviews can help solve environmental problems.
“The ecotheologist stands at the intersection of faith and environment,” he noted, “arguing that God is not only the redeemer of humankind but also the creator of all living thingseach possessing intrinsic value and interconnectedness.”
Sodipo identified several key challenges of the discipline, including the need for faith-based action in addressing environmental degradation and promoting stewardship of creation.
“The ecotheologist seeks not only to identify problems but to propose solutions, integrating spiritual and theological insights with scientific understanding,” he added.
Accepting the honour, he expressed deep gratitude to all who supported him throughout his academic journey.
“It gladdens my heart to be so honoured by everyone who joined me in celebrating this milestone. Your support propels me to extend the frontiers of knowledge and make our society a better place than we met it,” he said.
Quoting the philosopher Thomas Kuhn, he remarked, “The answers you get depend upon the questions you ask. I trust God to guide me to ask the right questions and obtain the right answers for the benefit of our people and the uplifting of our fatherland.”
The event also featured the ordination and decoration of chaplains, as well as the presentation of global awards to distinguished Christian scholars.
