On December 29, 2025, Ebed‑Melech University (EMU) and ECWA Theological Seminary, Kagoro (ETSK) signed a three‑year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen online theological education, faculty development, and ministry training across Africa and the global church. This strategic agreement is designed to expand access to high‑quality Christian online university programs while honoring the identity and autonomy of both institutions.
Advancing online theological education with African partners
Ebed‑Melech University is a faith‑based online Christian university dedicated to spiritual formation, academic excellence, and preparing leaders who “rise by lifting others up.” ECWA Theological Seminary, Kagoro is a long‑standing theological institution in Kaduna State, Nigeria, with a deep legacy of training pastors and ministry leaders for the African church.
Through this MOU, EMU and ETSK commit to:
- Promoting academic engagement and institutional development that supports biblically grounded, contextually aware theological education in Africa.
- Strengthening ETSK’s capacity for online and hybrid theological programs that can serve students across Nigeria and the wider African region.
- Creating accessible educational pathways for ETSK faculty, staff, and affiliates to pursue further study through EMU’s flexible online degree and certificate programs.
Building digital learning capacity at ETSK
A central focus of the agreement is digital learning development and advisory support for ETSK. EMU will provide consultative guidance on online course structures, learning workflows, and academic delivery models designed for ministry education in a digital environment.
To make this practical, EMU will:
- Share best practices, planning templates, faculty training resources, and digital‑learning frameworks tailored to theological institutions.
- Offer periodic virtual workshops, Q&A sessions, and written guidance on digital pedagogy, ministry‑focused eLearning models, and sustainable program design.
- Help ETSK explore learning management systems, online assessment integrity, and student engagement strategies appropriate for African connectivity realities.
These initiatives position ETSK to serve more students through quality distance theological education without losing its rootedness in the ECWA tradition.
Faculty collaboration, tuition reduction, and student pathways
Because faculty are central to theological formation, the MOU opens several voluntary avenues for collaboration. ETSK faculty with appropriate advanced degrees may be considered for adjunct roles, guest lectures, or participation in virtual seminars and theological dialogues hosted by EMU, following screening and credential evaluation. EMU faculty may likewise offer guest lectures, short seminars, or workshops that support ETSK students, ministry leaders, and faculty development.
To support lifelong learning and leadership development in the ECWA community, EMU will extend a 30% tuition reduction on eligible online programs for ETSK faculty, staff, and approved affiliates. This reduction applies only to tuition, with eligibility tied to active ETSK affiliation at admission, and final admissions decisions resting solely with EMU.
The MOU also outlines a pathway for ETSK to refer potential students for EMU’s international tuition‑assistance opportunities, with scholarships prioritized for candidates demonstrating ministerial purpose, leadership potential, or community service as funds permit.
Connecting ETSK to global digital‑quality networks
To further support ETSK’s digital‑learning journey, EMU may sponsor a three‑year Institutional Membership for ETSK with the International Accrediting Commission for Digital Education (IACDE). This optional membership provides access to digital‑quality development resources, allows ETSK to display the IACDE Member Badge, and increases visibility among global digital‑education institutions, while clearly distinguishing membership from formal accreditation.
Both institutions retain full independence and responsibility for their own academic policies, quality assurance, and governance, and participation in IACDE membership creates no regulatory or accreditation obligations.
Term, renewal, and shared responsibility
The MOU is in effect for three years from the December 29, 2025 signing date, with the possibility of renewal upon mutual written agreement. Either party may terminate the understanding with 30 days’ written notice, and students already enrolled under its provisions will retain granted benefits for the duration of their program unless otherwise agreed.
Under this framework, EMU commits to digital‑learning advisory support, resource sharing, tuition reduction benefits, and fair review of ETSK faculty for collaborative roles, while maintaining open communication through designated liaisons. ETSK commits to designating a liaison, verifying affiliations, accurately describing the partnership to stakeholders, supporting digital‑learning initiatives, and honoring EMU policies for its enrolled students and participating faculty.
Enroll, learn, and give
Readers who sense a call to deepen their ministry through online theological education can take the next step with Ebed‑Melech University:
- Explore EMU’s academic programs and practitioner certifications: https://ebedmelech.ac/academics-2/
- Start your application and join a university where faith and academic excellence thrive: https://ebedmelech.ac/apply/
Those who want to help make Christ‑centered, affordable online Christian education possible for students worldwide can partner financially with Ebed‑Melech University and the Ebed‑Melech Foundation:
- Become a monthly or one‑time partner through EMU’s “Partner” page: https://ebedmelech.ac/partner/
- Support scholarships and student success through the Ebed‑Melech Foundation and Adopt a Lion campaign: https://ebedmelech.org
By aligning EMU’s online Christian university model with ETSK’s long‑standing theological heritage, this MOU represents a strategic step toward accessible, high‑quality online theological education in Africa that equips leaders to serve the church and society with faith, wisdom, and courage.