NEGST July 2006: Celebration filled the air as 84 graduates lined up to receive their certificates in the various fields they had studied.

In true NEGST tradition, the graduation procession was led by the NEGST children dancing to African Christian celebration music. The graduating class could not help but dance too, as this was a day that many of them had ticked off on their calendars, and they could not believe that it was finally here.

Despite the cold weather, joy was in plenty because this was by far the largest class that has ever graduated from NEGST. 24 students from the Extension Programme received their Post Secondary and Post Graduate Diplomas while 60 students graduated from the Masters and the Christian Ministries Programme, CMP. Different nationalities were also represented with Kenya having the majority of graduates.

This year’s graduates were from: Kenya, Liberia, Ethiopia, DR Congo, Sudan, Rwanda, Nigeria, Madagascar, Sierra Leone, Malawi, Angola, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia.

The theme for the NEGST class of 2006 was “Christian Excellence in the Paradox of a weak world” based on Philippians 2: 14-15. “They understand that their world is a paradox of progress and regress, justice and injustice, strength and weakness, faith and unbelief. They also understand the paradox of Christian ministry: that they will “shine like stars in the universe” only if and when God’s strength is made perfect in their weakness”. (Dr. Douglas Carew, Graduation Magazine, pg. 7).

The guest of honor, Dr. Esther Mombo – Academic Dean of St. Paul’s Theological College, challenged the graduating class to seek to maintain the standards of Christianity that are laid down in the Bible in the paradox of Christian Excellence in a weak world.

For more on the Class of 2006, have a look at the 2006 Graduation Magazine (4meg PDF)

NEGST Children lead procession

Dr Douglas Carew addresses the graduating class during the graduation

NEGST Chancellor Dr Tokunboh addresses the graduating class and the visitors.

Graduates listen keenly to the graduation speeches.

Dr Jessup during the Graduation Ceremony.

Dr Esther Mombo was the Guest of Honor.

Mrs Eda Esilaba recieves her degree from the Chancellor.

Graduating class take one final group picture together after the graduation ceremony.