Bishop David Oyedepo, founder of Living Faith Church Worldwide and Chancellor of Covenant University, recently revealed the strategic groundwork behind the rise of Covenant University as Nigeria’s leading higher education institution. According to Oyedepo, the institution’s success was built on his deep study of nine prestigious foreign universities, including world-renowned names like Harvard, Princeton, Yale, Columbia, Caltech, MIT, Stanford, Duke, and Dartmouth.
Covenant University, founded in 2002, has since grown to become a trailblazer in Nigerian and African education. At its 19th Convocation ceremony, held at the university’s main campus in Ota, Ogun State, the school was announced as the best in Nigeria and sixth in West Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa in the Times Higher Education World Universities Ranking for 2025.
The Journey to Excellence: Inspiration from Global Institutions
Bishop Oyedepo’s approach to creating Covenant University was far from ordinary. Although nothing was directly copied from the prestigious universities he studied, Oyedepo drew inspiration and valuable lessons from them, particularly in terms of educational philosophy, institutional values, and quality standards. By analyzing these world-class institutions, he was able to develop a set of core values that helped Covenant University stand out in Nigeria’s academic landscape.
“While nothing was copied, a lot of inspiration was drawn from those studies, which eventually led to the crafting of our core values, making our products very unique,” Oyedepo explained.
This unique blend of inspiration and innovation has played a pivotal role in shaping Covenant University’s identity. It not only offers top-notch academic programs but also emphasizes character development, ethical leadership, and a deep sense of purpose in its students. According to Oyedepo, the vision was always to provide an alternative to the standard education available in Nigeria, one that would empower young individuals with the tools they need to succeed and avoid “lifelong crises.”
Covenant University’s Rapid Ascent
The recent rankings by the Times Higher Education World Universities Ranking for 2025 reflect the institution’s consistent commitment to academic excellence. Covenant University has earned its place as Nigeria’s top university, and its sixth-place ranking in West Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa further highlights its impact on a regional scale. This is no small achievement, given the stiff competition from other universities across Africa.
The 19th Convocation ceremony was a moment of pride for both the university and its stakeholders, as it celebrated not only the graduates but also the progress that the institution has made since its inception. Covenant University’s curriculum, facilities, and faculty have all contributed to this milestone, and the university continues to grow its reputation as a center of excellence in teaching, research, and character formation.
A Vision for the Future
For Oyedepo, the journey does not end here. His passion for providing a world-class education in Nigeria stems from a desire to equip young people with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in an ever-changing world. “My passion came alive to provide an alternative education, in terms of quality, that would rescue these young individuals from lifelong crises,” Oyedepo said.
Looking ahead, Covenant University aims to expand its influence and continue building on its strong foundation. As it gains recognition not only in Nigeria but across Africa and beyond, the university’s future looks bright. It serves as a model for what can be achieved when global best practices are tailored to meet local needs, creating an institution that not only educates but also transforms lives.
Bishop Oyedepo’s vision of educational reform through Covenant University is one that combines the best of both worlds: the inspiration drawn from world-class institutions like Harvard and MIT, and the innovation needed to address the unique challenges facing Nigerian and African students. As Covenant University continues to rise in the rankings, it stands as a testament to the power of visionary leadership and a clear focus on core values.
