Prof. Enegho Advocates Ethical Leadership, Human-Centred Church at PAAU 22nd Inaugural Lecture
Professor of Church History and Missiology at Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Anyigba, Professor Felix Ehimare Enegho, has called on the Church to embrace a holistic mission that promotes human dignity, ethical leadership, peaceful coexistence and sustainable national development.
Prof. Enegho made the call on Tuesday while delivering the 22nd Inaugural Lecture of the university, titled “On the Move for the Carpenter’s Son and Humanity in Historical and Missiological Contexts,” at the University Auditorium.
The inaugural lecturer said the Church’s mission should extend beyond evangelism to include the promotion of justice, peace, education, healthcare, responsible citizenship and human development, stressing that authentic Christianity must transform both individuals and society.
He described Church History as the systematic study of the activities and experiences of Christians 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 made significant contributions to Nigeria’s development through education, healthcare, leadership development and national integration, adding that early missionary activities laid the foundation for many aspects of modern Nigerian society.
Prof. Enegho emphasised that effective evangelisation requires sincerity, cultural sensitivity and genuine concern for humanity. He also underscored the importance of communicating the Gospel in languages that are accessible to diverse communities, citing the example of the early Church at Pentecost.
He identified quality education, healthcare delivery, vocational empowerment, social welfare and community development as essential tools for church growth and sustainable evangelisation.
The professor further advocated greater interfaith dialogue and mutual respect between Christians and Muslims, describing peaceful coexistence as indispensable for national unity and development.
On governance, he noted that the Church has continued to contribute to nation-building by promoting moral values, peace, good governance and responsible leadership, while encouraging citizens to participate actively in the democratic process.
Prof. Enegho also stressed the need for inculturation, urging the Church in Nigeria to engage indigenous cultures constructively without compromising the core principles of the Christian faith.
Speaking on the Catholic Charismatic Renewal, he commended the movement for fostering spiritual renewal through prayer, evangelisation and greater lay participation, while calling for stronger collaboration among Christian groups.
He further examined the relationship between migration, development and missionary expansion, noting that population movements have historically influenced both the spread of Christianity and the development of nations.
Addressing environmental concerns, the scholar challenged Christians to embrace their responsibility as faithful stewards of God’s creation by promoting sustainable environmental practices.
He concluded that being “On the Move for the Carpenter’s Son” represents a universal commitment to integrity, justice, compassion, hard work and service to humanity, adding that education should produce graduates who combine professional competence with moral responsibility and dedication to the common good.
In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of Prince Abubakar Audu University, Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman, described the lecture as a significant milestone in the institution’s academic tradition and the fifth inaugural lecture held since he assumed office on February 11, 2026.
He said the lecture’s theme was timely, addressing critical issues of compassion, justice, ethical leadership, peace and human dignity, while highlighting the interdisciplinary relevance of Church History and Missiology to fields such as history, sociology, philosophy, political science and communication.
The Vice-Chancellor reaffirmed the university’s commitment to excellence in teaching, research, innovation and character development, and congratulated Prof. Enegho on his academic accomplishment.
The event featured the presentation of an inaugural lecture certificate, plaque and medal to Prof. Enegho and was attended by members of the university management, Senate, academic and non-teaching staff, students, religious leaders, traditional rulers, alumni, scholars from other institutions and other distinguished guests.
