New Opportunities for Graduate Students in Nigeria

A few years ago Rev. Jim Gotom would have had to leave his wife and children behind and move all the way to North America if he wanted to earn his Ph.D.

But in 2012 the Theological College of Northern Nigeria (TCNN) added a Ph.D program and Gotom will be earning his doctorate in his home country.

Gotom will be the first Ph.D student studying under Tim Palmer, who works with Christian Reformed World Missions in Nigeria.

“I taught Rev. Gotom in two or three of his master’s level classes,” said Palmer. “Now I’m happy to assist him as he works toward his next degree.”

Gotom was one of 120 students who graduated from TCNN in May. Most of the students will serve as pastors in churches or Bible teachers in the local schools.

Studying in North America would have been especially difficult for Gotom because he plans to research Nigerian Christian theology, looking at aspects of Christianity that are specific to Nigerian culture.

Although African Christian theology has been the subject of extensive research, it has never been looked at from a specifically Nigerian point-of-view.

“Studying in Nigeria means Rev. Gotom will have more resources available to him in his research area,” said Palmer. “It also means he will be able to maintain his relationship with his family and cultural identity.”

Oftentimes, Nigerian students in North America find it difficult to readjust to Nigerian culture after studying in the US. But  Palmer believes TCNN is taking a step that will improve the quality of education in Nigeria.

“New opportunities for students like Rev. Gotom are what continue to drive [my wife] Wilma and me and as we serve alongside God’s people in Nigeria.”