SETTING THE PACE FOR A YEAR OF EXCELLENCE

To set the pace is to lead from the front—to establish a standard that others can follow.

The quality of the pace we set at the beginning of the year largely determines the excellence of our outcomes.

Scripture reminds us:

“Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof…” — Ecclesiastes 7:8

Beginnings matter. Foundations define futures.

Proven Keys for Setting the Pace

1. Take a Strong Spiritual Stand

“For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.” — Romans 8:6

Every new beginning must be rooted in spiritual alignment.
Spirituality is not optional—it is foundational to lasting excellence.

God must be given His rightful place: the first place.

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God…” — Matthew 6:33

Scripture must become the daily compass for decisions, direction, and discernment.

“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” — Psalm 119:105

Do not starve your spirit man.
Heaven’s operations are often routed through the spirit.

“The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit…” — Romans 8:16

Angels respond to spiritual alignment.

“Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?” — Hebrews 1:14

Spiritual mindedness births life, peace, clarity, and momentum.

2. Understand and Appreciate Your Unique Placement

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works…” — Ephesians 2:10

You are not randomly positioned—you are strategically planted.

“Blow ye the trumpet in Zion…” — Joel 2:1–8
You are a signal, a voice, and a forerunner in your space.

You are not merely conveyors of knowledge;
you are architects of the future.

Therefore:

• Be intentional about the seeds you sow

• Be deliberate about the values you model

• Be conscious of the legacy you are shaping

“A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children’s children.” — Proverbs 13:22

Live in such a way that your example transcends time and echoes into eternity.

3. Embrace Innovation and Continuous Learning

Excellence thrives wherever learning never stops.

“The wise also will hear, and increase learning…” — Proverbs 1:5

Be open to new methods, new systems, and better approaches.
There is always a more excellent way.

“And now abideth faith, hope, charity… but the greatest of these is charity.” — 1 Corinthians 13:13
Let innovation always be guided by:

• Integrity

• Quality

• Accountability

“Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.” — 1 Corinthians 4:2

Innovation without values destroys, but innovation with integrity builds.

4. Plan Strategically and Manage Time Deliberately

“See then that ye walk circumspectly… redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” — Ephesians 5:15–16

You can be present and still not be productive.
You can clock in and still not lock anything in.

Do not be a time spender—be a time investor.

“So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” — Psalm 90:12

Time is what we want most, yet waste most.

Create a structured calendar that brings:

• Balance to assignments

• Focus to priorities

• Discipline to execution

“For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost?” — Luke 14:28

Remember:

“Time and chance happeneth to them all.” — Ecclesiastes 9:11

Preparation determines who benefits from opportunity.

5. Practice Continuous Self-Examination

“Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves.” — 2 Corinthians 13:5

Excellence demands reflection, evaluation, and adjustment.

Ask regularly:

• What is working?

• What needs alignment?

• What must change?

Growth is sustained where self-assessment is intentional.

Closing Charge

Setting the pace is not about speed—it is about direction, discipline, and depth.
When spirituality is strong, placement is understood, innovation is embraced, time is redeemed, and self-examination is practiced, excellence becomes inevitable.

You are not just starting a year—you are setting a standard.

PROPHETIC FOCUS FOR 2026

PROPHETIC FOCUS FOR 2026

DISTINGUISHED AND IMPACTFUL LIGHTS

PROPHETIC DECLARATION

2026 is the year of Distinguished and Impactful Lights.
A year where believers do not merely shine, but shine with distinction.
A year where light does not only appear, but creates measurable impact in lives, systems, territories, and generations.

Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid.
Matthew 5:14

FOUNDATIONAL REVELATION

Light is not ornamental.
Light is functional.
Light exists to define, separate, govern, and influence.

In Genesis 1, before God created systems, structures, or systems of governance, He introduced light.

And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.
Genesis 1:3

Light came before:

• Order
• Assignment
• Dominion
• Fruitfulness

This means:
👉 Nothing finds meaning until light appears
👉 Nothing functions correctly without light

 

WHAT MAKES 2026 DISTINCTIVE

Many shine.
Few are distinguished.
Many are visible.
Few are impactful.

In 2026, God is not just increasing visibility
He is increasing clarity, contrast, and consequence.

And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness.
Genesis 1:4

Distinction is the proof of true light.

DIMENSIONS OF THE 2026 LIGHT

1. CREATED LIGHT

You are not an accident.
You were intentionally generated as light.

All things were made by Him In Him was life; and the life was the light of men.
John 1:3 4

Your identity precedes your assignment.

2. COMMISSIONED LIGHT

Light is not created to admire itself
It is commissioned to rule environments.

To give light upon the earth, and to rule over the day and over the night.
Genesis 1:17 18

In 2026, light will:

• Speak
• Govern
• Correct
• Influence policies, culture, and thinking

3. POSITIONED LIGHT

Light has location.
Light has placement.

He set them in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth.
Genesis 1:17

This year, God is repositioning lights:

• In industries
• In education
• In governance
• In media
• In ministry
• In technology
• In families

You will stand where your light matters.

4. DISTINGUISHED LIGHT

Not all lights shine with the same intensity.

There is one glory of the sun, another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars
1 Corinthians 15:41

2026 is not about comparison
It is about unique glory and defined relevance.

5. IMPACTFUL LIGHT

True light produces results.

Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee.
Isaiah 60:1

Impact means:

• Lives transformed
• Darkness displaced
• Systems corrected
• Nations influenced
• Christ revealed

THE CONTRAST OF THE YEAR

Darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee.
Isaiah 60:2

Darkness will increase
But so will the sharpness of light.

In confusion, you will have clarity.
In uncertainty, you will have direction.
In chaos, you will carry answers.

PROPHETIC INSTRUCTIONS FOR 2026

1. Stay illuminated Word, prayer, alignment
2. Refuse camouflage stop blending in
3. Engage territory light must enter spaces
4. Accept responsibility light is accountable
5. Multiply light raise others

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works
Matthew 5:16

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

I declare:

• I am a distinguished light
• My light is intentional and accurate
• I shine without apology
• I illuminate my generation
• I am positioned for influence
• Darkness cannot resist my presence
• My light produces results
• Nations respond to my rising

The path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.
Proverbs 4:18

SUMMARY PROCLAMATION

2026 is not a year of survival it is a year of visibility with responsibility.
Not noise, but clarity.
Not crowd, but contrast.
Not fame, but impact.

You are not just shining.
You are distinguished.
You are impactful.
You are light.

 

Salary increase for Universities in Nigeria

Universities are seeing salary increases, particularly in Nigeria where the government and Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) agreed in December 2025 to a 40% pay rise for lecturers, effective January 2026, alongside improved pensions and better funding, resolving years of disputes. This move aims to uplift academic earnings and address economic realities, with detailed new salary structures now in place, significantly boosting incomes for all academic ranks. 

Key Details of the Nigerian Agreement:

• 40% Salary Increase: Academic staff across all levels, from Graduate Assistants to Professors, will see significant pay boosts.
• Improved Pensions: Professors will receive pension benefits equivalent to their annual salary upon retirement at age 70.
• Enhanced Funding: The deal includes better funding models for universities, with dedicated funds for research, labs, and development.
• Effective Date: The new terms began January 1, 2026, with a planned review after three years. 

Example Salary Changes (Monthly Estimates):

• Graduate Assistants: Increased from ~N170k-N220k to ~N238k-N308k.
• Lecturer II: Increased from ~N250k-N300k to ~N350k-N420k.
• Professors: Increased from ~N850k-N950k to ~N1.19m-N1.33m. 

Broader Context & Reasons:

• Ending Stalemate: The agreement ends long-standing industrial actions and renegotiations of the 2009 FGN-ASUU agreement.
• Addressing Economic Hardship: The pay rise is a response to economic challenges and the need to retain intellectual talent in Nigeria. 

This situation in Nigeria reflects ongoing global discussions about fair compensation for university educators, though specific implementation varies by country and institution. 

JANUARY PROPHETIC FOCUS CREATED AND COMMISSIONED LIGHT

Glory to Jesus who has brought us by his mighty hand into a brand new year, a year of distinguishing and Impactful LIGHTS. 

This year will culminate in breaking new ground, leading to diverse and open doors. 

This January, we shall be exploring the creative capacities of light. 

Genesis 1:3 – “And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.”

Before systems, structures, or assignments, light was created first. January establishes identity before activity.

PROPHETIC UNDERSTANDING

1. Light Is a Creation, Not an Accident

Light was not discovered; it was spoken into existence.

Key Scriptures

Genesis 1:3–4 – Light was created and distinguished.

John 1:4–5 – “In Him was life; and the life was the light of men.”

Psalm 139:14–16 – You were deliberately formed.

📌 Revelation: You are not a product of chance. You are intentionally created light.

2. Light Is Created Before Assignment

Light appeared on Day One, but man’s assignment came later.

Key Scriptures

Genesis 1:3 vs Genesis 1:26–28

Jeremiah 1:5 – Known before being sent.

Ephesians 2:10 – Created before good works.

📌 Truth: Identity precedes responsibility. January restores who you are, not just what you do.

3. Light Is Distinguished

God separated light from darkness. Distinction is proof of light.

Key Scriptures

Genesis 1:4

Isaiah 60:1–2 – Darkness may cover the earth, but light rises.

Matthew 5:14–16 – A city set on a hill.

📌 Insight: You don’t compete with darkness; you expose it.

4. Light Is Commissioned to Rule Time

Light governs seasons, days, and directions.

Key Scriptures

Genesis 1:14–18

Psalm 74:16

Habakkuk 3:4 – “He had horns coming out of His hand: and there was the hiding of His power.”

📌 Prophetic declaration: This year, you will not be confused about timing, seasons, or direction.

5. Light Is Sent, Not Hidden

Light that is created must be released.

Key Scriptures

Isaiah 6:8 – “Here am I; send me.”

John 9:4–5 – “As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”

Acts 13:47 – Appointed as light to the Gentiles.

📌 Mandate: You are not saved to be silent. You are commissioned to shine.

JANUARY PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

I am created by divine utterance, not human permission.

I am separated from darkness by divine distinction.

I carry light that governs seasons and times.

I reject invisibility and silence.

I step into January commissioned, authorized, and released.

I shine without apology and influence without fear.

I am a created and commissioned light.

PROPHETIC PRAYER FOCUS FOR JANUARY

Restoration of identity

Clarity of assignment

Separation from darkness and confusion

Boldness to shine publicly

Alignment with divine timing

Scriptural Prayer

Isaiah 49:6 – “I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth.”

PROPHETIC SUMMARY

January is not about speed—it is about alignment.

Not about noise—but illumination.

Not about striving—but shining.

👉 Before God sends you, He reveals you.

👉 Before you move, you must glow.

Welcome to January 2026 our month of 

CREATED AND COMMISSIONED LIGHT

Genesis 1:3, 14 John 1:1-5

A Fall Is Not the End, Doors are opening unto you by Lights

A Fall Is Not the End

A fall does not connote outright failure.

A fall is not equal to failure.

Resistance is not denial.

Challenge is not synonymous with defeat.

With God, there is no closed case.

“For there is hope of a tree, if it be cut down, that it will sprout again…” — Job 14:7–9

Every victim of hatred is coming out in grand style.

What was meant to silence you will become the stage of your announcement.

“The Lord sent a word into Jacob, and it hath lighted upon Israel.” — Isaiah 9:8

Arise Into Visibility

“Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.” — Isaiah 60:1–3

You are not rising quietly.

You are rising conspicuously, attractively, and impactfully.

They will see you fly like a cloud.

They will see your rebuilding.

They will see your gates open continually.

They will see the small become a thousand.

— Isaiah 60:8, 10, 11, 15, 22

Transformation Is a Word-Driven Experience

Change comes through word encounters.

It is the Word that stirs up changers.

It is the Word that paints the pictures of tomorrow, opening you up to what to do to realize it.

You don’t change by wishing.

You change by beholding.

“But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed…” — 2 Corinthians 3:18

If you keep looking at Him, you cannot remain the same.

Challenge Is Normal—Defeat Is Optional

It is not unspiritual to be challenged.

It is unscriptural to be defeated.

There is always a way out of every challenge in the Word.

“God is faithful… with the temptation also make a way to escape.” — 1 Corinthians 10:13

Fight well.

Finish strong.

Keep the faith.

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” — 2 Timothy 4:7–8

Your Latter Glory Is Speaking

Look to your roots.

Look to Abraham.

Look again—God is still multiplying men through one.

Isaiah 51:2–5

What God started small, He will finish loud.

There is hope.

There is light.

There is increase.

And in God, no case is ever closed.

If you want, I can:

KINGDOM ADVANCEMENT — UPGRADED by Kay J Daniels

1. Who Builds the Church?

Kingdom advancement is often reduced to praying for church growth or expansion. However, Jesus clearly settled this responsibility:

“And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”

— Matthew 16:18

The church is not built by human effort, strategies, or activism.

Jesus alone builds His Church, and because He is the builder:

The gates of hell cannot prevail against it

The church is secured, sustained, and expanded by divine authority

The church is not struggling; it is established.

2. What Then Is Kingdom Advancement?

If Jesus builds the church, what is our assignment?

Kingdom advancement is not church maintenance —

It is kingdom citizens taking responsibility for the nations.

“Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.”

— Matthew 6:10

Heaven does not need advancement.

The earth does.

More specifically, nations do.

3. The Gates of Hell and the Nations

Jesus said the gates of hell cannot prevail against the church —

But Scripture never says the gates of hell cannot stand against nations.

And indeed, they are standing:

In governance

In education

In economies

In culture

In media

In morality

“The nations are angry, and thy wrath is come…”

— Revelation 11:18

“Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?”

— Psalm 2:1

This is where kingdom advancement is activated.

4. The Church Is Built — The Nations Must Be Built

Jesus builds the church to maturity:

“Till we all come… unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.”

— Ephesians 4:13

But the mature church is released to build nations.

“And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High…”

— Daniel 7:27

Kingdom advancement is:

Saints influencing systems

Light confronting darkness in public spaces

Righteousness shaping national life

5. Our Mandate: Establish His Name in the Nations

We are not sent to escape the world —

We are sent to establish His name in it.

“Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.”

— Psalm 2:8

“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations…”

— Matthew 28:19

Nations are not changed by buildings alone —

They are transformed by kingdom influence.

6. Upgraded Prayer Focus: From Church to Nations

Our prayers must shift from: ❌ “Lord, grow our church”

to

✅ “Lord, heal our land”

“If my people… shall humble themselves, and pray… then will I hear from heaven, and will heal their land.”

— 2 Chronicles 7:14

“I exhort therefore, that… prayers… be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority…”

— 1 Timothy 2:1–2

When we pray for nations:

Governance is influenced

Policies align with righteousness

Darkness retreats from public systems

7. The Impact Equation

This is the divine order:

Jesus builds the Church →

The Church builds Kingdom Citizens →

Kingdom Citizens build Nations →

Nations reveal God’s Glory

“Arise, shine; for thy light is come… and the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.”

— Isaiah 60:1–3

8. Conclusion: Where Jesus Ends, We Begin

Jesus is committed to building His church —

We must be committed to advancing His kingdom in the nations.

“Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.”

— Matthew 5:14

Kingdom advancement is not adding members.

It is transforming nations.

And when the nations are built,

the glory of the King is revealed.