Adeboye urges lecturers, students to pursue excellence

The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has encouraged lecturers, professors, students, and other professionals in Nigeria’s education sector to strive for excellence.

Ministering virtually at the RCCG July 2026 Thanksgiving Service from the Mount Carmel Prayer Village, Ifewara, Osun State, recently, the cleric emphasised that diligence, compassion, and unwavering obedience to God are essential keys to achieving the state of being “above only.”

Preaching from Deuteronomy 28:1-13 on the theme “Above Only,” Adeboye said God’s desire was for His children to be “the head, and not the tail… above only, and not beneath.”

He reminded the congregation that everyone had a choice, asking: “Do you want to be above or do you want to be beneath? Do you want to be the head, or do you want to be the tail?”

While addressing the students, he encouraged them to embrace lifelong learning, emphasising that both academic and personal development are ongoing journeys.

He stated that from primary school through postgraduate studies and beyond, every stage of education equips individuals for greater opportunities.

“Those of you who are students, remember that there is never an end to learning—you must keep on learning. If you were where you were last year this year, you are a backslider,” he said.

Stressing the importance of consistency, he added, “It takes more effort to remain a champion than to become a champion.”

Speaking to teachers, lecturers, professors and other education professionals, the general overseer reminded them that their calling extends beyond imparting knowledge. He urged them to model excellence, remain committed to continuous improvement, and recognise the impact they have in shaping future generations.

“You must keep climbing,” he said, explaining that growth should never stop, regardless of one’s achievements. “It doesn’t matter how high you are now; you must keep climbing.”

The cleric also challenged everyone in the education community to cultivate mercy and compassion.

Quoting Jesus’ teaching, “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy,” he said those seeking God’s promotion must be willing to help others.

“You want to obtain mercy from God for your promotion, then you must be merciful. You want to remain on top all the way, then you must learn to show mercy unto others,” he added, urging believers to demonstrate compassion by helping others and leading people to Christ.

Adeboye concluded by encouraging students and education workers to maintain a lifestyle of thanksgiving and praise, describing gratitude as one of the secrets to remaining permanently at the top.

You want to remain the head permanently, praise God continuously,” he said, expressing confidence that those who obey God, remain diligent and honour Him will fulfil His promise.

“I believe in God for you: You will be above permanently. You will never come beneath again,” he prayed.

Adeboye also prayed for staff and students of higher institutions, secondary schools and their families, asking God to grant them divine wisdom, understanding, protection and supernatural help.

The Special Assistant to the General Overseer (Administration) and Pastor in Charge of RCCG Region 1, Pastor Oladele Balogun, advised students to remain disciplined, dedicated to their studies and committed to personal development while trusting God for success.

Balogun equally called on parents to take a greater interest in the welfare and security of their children, particularly those in boarding schools.

He urged them to regularly assess the safety of their wards’ learning environment and withdraw them where necessary.