During the 2023-2024 academic year, Acadia Divinity College welcomed 8 new international students from 5 countries around the globe. These students represent unique stories of faith, resilience, and dedication in their pursuit of theological education, and reflect the growing diversity within our local communities. Five of our new international students are women who enrich our community with their presence and perseverance.

Abosede Samuel is one such student who began her Acadia Master of Arts in Theology program in September 2023. Learn about the unexpected opportunity that ultimately led Abosede to ADC to pursue New Testament studies.

An Accidental Course

Growing up I often wondered why people studied God in college when we can simply learn about Him in Sunday school.

When it came time for me to choose an undergraduate degree, I initially applied to university to study law. Law programs in Nigeria are extremely competitive, and like many applicants, I didn’t get a spot. Instead, I was unexpectedly offered admissions into the Christian Studies program. My options were to wait for another year and reapply while my friends started their degrees or pursue this alternative program. This began my quest into theological studies. My family supported my decision, but friends and neighbours often questioned me asking “What kind of career prospects will Christian Studies give you?”

Incidentally, it was this ‘accidental’ course that created a pathway for me to come to Canada.

Balancing Faith and Academics

After completing my undergraduate degree in Christian Studies, I was motivated to engage more in theological training focused on the New Testament. Specifically, I wanted to learn more about balancing faith and academic study.

Throughout my degree, I encountered different teachings and unfamiliar perspectives about Jesus and Christianity. Some topics were probing and somewhat controversial and left me with even more questions. I was determined to expand my knowledge by studying in a different theological setting with the intention of gaining new perspectives and being equipped to interrogate the truth surrounding different points of view. I have learned that balancing faith and academics involves acknowledging the truth of the gospel while being open to theological discussion.

Going Deeper

Acadia Divinity College came highly recommended by my Uncle Moses Adekola, an alumnus of the College. Discovering that ADC offers Master studies in different specializations solidified my decision to apply. I have chosen to specialize in New Testament studies to investigate and understand more deeply the life and ministry of Jesus – a topic I have been interrogating since my undergraduate studies.

Moving to Canada was a huge decision for me. As I left family and friends behind, not knowing what lay ahead, I held onto Philippians 1:6 “I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work in you will continue to complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.”

I have come to experience the College as a community that promotes diversity in culture, and where love and growth in knowledge and skills are prioritized. I have learned to celebrate each moment and grow through rigorous academic training that is ultimately leading me towards a transformative life.

Community Support

The staff and faculty at ADC are concerned about both the physical and spiritual well-being of students. This was made evident after being blessed with gifts of cold weather clothing and footwear to help me through my first Canadian winter!

I am constantly surprised by how easy it is to access my professors, and their eagerness to hear my opinions and give feedback. Anyone who wants to study more about God while being spiritually formed should consider ADC. There are so many resources available to draw from to be equipped for service.

As I look towards the future, I am holding on to Philippians 2:13 “For it is God who is at work in you, enabling you both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” I hope to continue exploring the New Testament through my studies and eventually secure a teaching position. I am leaning on God’s mercy and his plans for my life, and I intend to follow him closely as he leads me on this journey.

*This article originally appeared in Tidings Magazine in June 2024.