COVENANT UNIVERSITY AT 24: THE SEVEN HIDDEN POWERS OF THANKSGIVING
A Founders’ Day Message by Dr. David Oyedepo
Celebrating 24 Years of Divine Vision, Transformation and Impact
Introduction: This Is the Lord’s Doing!
“This is the Lord’s doing; it is marvellous in our eyes.” — Psalm 118:23
As Covenant University celebrates 24 years of existence, our hearts must overflow with thanksgiving to Almighty God. What we are witnessing today is not merely the product of human effort, institutional planning, or administrative expertise. It is a testimony to the faithfulness of God.
We must never lose sight of the hand behind the work. The marvels we celebrate today are evidence of divine involvement. When God is behind a vision, its impact goes beyond what human ability alone can accomplish.
Therefore, we give all the glory to God. This is not our doing; it is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes!
1. Thanksgiving: The Foundation of Our Strength
Psalm 92:1–2 declares that it is good to give thanks to the Lord and sing praises to His name, to proclaim His lovingkindness in the morning and His faithfulness every night.
Thanksgiving is not simply an expression of good manners. It is a spiritual disposition that keeps our hearts connected to God.
A grateful heart recognises that whatever we have accomplished is not by our power alone. Our intelligence, strength, opportunities, relationships and achievements are all reasons to acknowledge the goodness of God.
Proverbs 17:22 tells us that a merry heart does good like medicine, while a broken spirit dries the bones.
When gratitude fills the heart, joy follows. And when we walk in the joy of the Lord, we draw strength to face life's challenges.
A thankful person does not allow circumstances to dictate the condition of the heart.
At 24, Covenant University must continue to recognise God as the source of its strength, progress and enduring influence.
2. Thanksgiving Gives Access to Fresh Oil
Psalm 92:10 declares:
“But my horn shalt thou exalt like the horn of an unicorn: I shall be anointed with fresh oil.”
Fresh oil represents renewed strength, fresh grace and the enablement to accomplish new assignments.
Yesterday's achievements cannot replace today's dependence on God. Every new season requires fresh grace, renewed commitment and a heart that continues to honour the One who gives the increase.
Thanksgiving helps us maintain the right posture before God. Rather than becoming consumed by pressure, comparison or the pursuit of recognition, we learn to acknowledge His faithfulness and depend on Him for what lies ahead.
The lesson is clear: never become so familiar with God's blessings that you forget to thank Him for them.
As Covenant University moves into its next season, may its vision remain fresh, its spiritual foundation strong, and its commitment to excellence continually renewed.
3. Thanksgiving Renders Our Enemies Helpless
The Scriptures repeatedly demonstrate that God is able to deliver His people and frustrate the plans of those who oppose His purposes.
Psalm 89:22 speaks of God's protection over His servant:
“The enemy shall not exact upon him; nor the son of wickedness afflict him.”
Thanksgiving strengthens our confidence in God's faithfulness. It reminds us that we are not left to confront every challenge by our own strength.
This does not mean that grateful people will never experience opposition. Rather, gratitude helps us remain anchored in God instead of surrendering to fear, bitterness or despair.
Thanksgiving keeps our attention on God's power rather than the size of the opposition.
Covenant University's story is a testimony of perseverance, faith and commitment to a vision. As the university continues to grow, its community must remain prayerful, united and steadfast.
4. Thanksgiving Causes Believers to Flourish
Psalm 92:12 declares:
“The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon.”
The palm tree is a fitting picture of resilience. It stands through changing weather and continues to grow.
In the same way, a life rooted in God must not be defined solely by favourable circumstances.
Habakkuk 3:17–18 presents one of the strongest expressions of this disposition:
“Although the fig tree may not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.”
This is the strength of a grateful heart: the ability to rejoice in God even when circumstances are not as expected.
Thanksgiving enables us to remain hopeful, steadfast and productive through different seasons.
For Covenant University, flourishing means more than increasing student numbers, expanding facilities or achieving institutional recognition. It also means continually raising people of character, competence, faith and purpose who can contribute meaningfully to society.
5. Thanksgiving Sustains Us Through Crisis
Life will not always unfold according to our expectations. There will be seasons of limited resources, unexpected challenges and moments when the next step is not obvious.
Yet, thanksgiving helps us remember that what appears insufficient today does not define the possibilities of tomorrow.
John 6:6–14 records the feeding of the five thousand. Faced with a great multitude and limited provisions, Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks and distributed them. What seemed inadequate became sufficient to meet the need, with leftovers remaining.
The lesson is not that thanksgiving eliminates every difficulty instantly. Rather, it reminds us to acknowledge God even when resources appear limited and to act faithfully with what is available.
The personal testimony shared in the message reflects this principle: seasons of modest income and significant responsibility can be endured without abandoning faith, gratitude or purpose.
Never allow a season of pressure to erase your memory of God's faithfulness.
We must learn to thank God not only for what has been completed, but also for the strength to continue, the wisdom to make decisions and the grace to remain faithful.
6. Thanksgiving Establishes Believers in the House of God
Psalm 92:13–14 declares that those planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God and continue to bring forth fruit in old age.
There is a difference between visiting a place of purpose and becoming rooted in its values.
To be established means to remain committed, to grow in understanding, to serve faithfully and to contribute to the fulfilment of a shared vision.
For the Covenant University community, this calls for more than identifying with the institution during celebrations. It calls for a lasting commitment to its spiritual foundation, academic standards, culture of service and mission of raising a new generation of leaders.
Gratitude also changes how we view our place within an institution. Instead of focusing only on what we can receive, we become conscious of what we can contribute.
We must thank God for what He has done in our individual lives and for the growth of the entire university community.
A grateful heart values the vision, honours the source and remains committed to the assignment.
7. Thanksgiving Makes Believers Relevant for Life
The final emphasis is the lasting relevance that comes from living a life of gratitude, faith and purposeful service.
True relevance is not merely about titles, public recognition, wealth or temporary influence. It is about making a meaningful contribution that continues to benefit others.
Abraham's life provides a powerful example of faith and worship. His willingness to obey God, even when obedience demanded a great sacrifice, demonstrated his trust in the One who had called him.
The blessings associated with Abraham's faith also remind believers that God's purposes extend beyond one individual to families and generations.
Covenant University's vision similarly reaches beyond the present generation. Its impact is seen in the people it educates, the character it helps to shape, the discoveries its community makes and the leadership its graduates provide in different fields.
The responsibility of every member of the university community is to remain spiritually grounded, committed to excellence and productive in service.
Do not become distracted by temporary recognition. Do not surrender your values in pursuit of success. Continue to develop your abilities, discover solutions and contribute to the advancement of society.
Stay true spiritually. Stay committed to your assignment. Stay productive. Keep growing.
A University Founded on a Divine Vision
Covenant University at 24 is an occasion to remember the vision behind the institution and acknowledge the faithfulness of God throughout its journey.
Its story is not simply about the establishment of another university. It is about the pursuit of an educational vision that seeks to combine spiritual values, academic excellence, character formation and practical relevance.
The ultimate measure of its success is not only what happens within its campus, but also the quality of people it raises and the impact they make wherever they serve.
A university that remains committed to its founding vision can contribute to changing the narrative of Africa by equipping young people to lead with integrity, innovate with purpose and serve with compassion.
The future requires people who are spiritually grounded, intellectually prepared, professionally competent and socially responsible.
That is why thanksgiving must remain central. It reminds us of where the journey began, who has sustained it and why the assignment must continue.
Conclusion: To God Be All the Glory!
As Covenant University celebrates its 24th Founders’ Day, we return to the declaration of Psalm 118:23:
“This is the LORD's doing; it is marvellous in our eyes.”
We give thanks for the vision, the sacrifices, the lives transformed, the knowledge imparted, the character developed and the opportunities created.
We give thanks for every student, graduate, lecturer, staff member, parent, partner and supporter who has contributed to the journey.
Above all, we acknowledge Almighty God as the One to whom all glory belongs.
May Covenant University continue to flourish, remain faithful to its vision, and raise generations of leaders who will serve God and humanity with distinction.
May its influence continue to expand, its commitment to excellence remain strong, and its contribution to Africa's transformation become increasingly evident.
Let us raise our voices and say:
Thank You, Jesus!
Thank You for 24 years of faithfulness.
Thank You for the vision.
Thank You for the lives transformed.
Thank You for the future ahead.
To God alone be all the glory!
Amen.
