MBABANE – The Eswatini College of Theology is poised to transition into a fully fledged university following assurances of support from Government.
Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini made the remarks on Friday afternoon during the Class of 2025 graduation ceremony held at the college campus, where graduates, clergy and family members gathered to mark the milestone.
Addressing the ceremony, the Prime Minister said the institution, which was established in 1987, has grown into one of the country’s enduring centres of theological training and is now ready to move to the next level.
“This college stands as one of the few long-standing institutions in the country. It is now mature enough to transition into a university, and Government supports efforts to see it rise to that level. We call for a stronger, balanced, and all-Scripture-based curriculum that will continue to shape leaders of faith and integrity.”
He said Government stands ready to back the college’s ambitions as it seeks to expand its academic scope and strengthen its curriculum to meet university standards, noting the role the institution continues to play in shaping the Christian community and society at large.
Turning to the graduating class, the Prime Minister challenged them to take up leadership roles within the church and beyond.
“Be the generation that makes things happen. Be the architects of tomorrow, the voices of change, the hands that heal, the minds that invent.”
He urged the graduates to guard their character as they step into ministry and public life.
“Remember always: education opens doors, but character keeps them open. Knowledge builds bridges, but wisdom guides the steps across. You have mastered the textbooks of man; now master the living Word of God. For the world applauds achievement, but heaven crowns faithfulness.”
The Prime Minister also cautioned against challenges confronting churches globally and within the region, including what he described as false teachings and the pursuit of personal gain in religious spaces.
“Let me remind you never be part of the problems that engulf the church today. Problems of false doctrines, cults that chase money and power, false miracles that deceive, and self-elevation that seeks popularity instead of service.”
He called on the Class of 2025 to promote unity and truth in their ministries.
“You are called to be agents of unity, not division. Agents of love, not hatred. Agents of truth, not deception. Let your lives be sermons that preach Christ without words. Like Paul of Tarsus, you are called to carry the name of Jesus Christ. So, go forth and carry His name boldly into the world.”
Encouraging innovation alongside faith, he told the graduates to step into the future with courage.
“Move forward with courage. Move forward with faith. Move forward with humility. Move forward with the fire of innovation and the fragrance of grace.”
He concluded his address with a charge to balance academic excellence with spiritual obedience.
“Graduates of 2025, the world awaits your brilliance, but heaven awaits your obedience. May you be approved not only by man, but by God. May you rise as innovators, as leaders, as servants of truth. And may your journey be a testimony that when knowledge meets faith, the impossible becomes possible.”
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