The rapid and ever-changing process of modernization and globalization has led to churches and Christian organizations, particularly in Africa, facing challenges of pluralism, materialism and loss of faith. In order to effectively respond to these challenges, there is the need for a new breed of church leaders who understand the happenings in the world today and are equipped to provide relevant responses to them. These Christian leaders must have the relevant theological knowledge, creative ministerial skills and strong spiritual formation which will help them to competently manage the people and other resources entrusted into their hands. They must also be trained to efficiently reach out to communities outside the church. 

The Bachelor of Divinity program of Central University is therefore designed to meet the increasing demand for effective professional Christian ministry training to produce reflective leaders for evangelical churches. The program is a four (4) year professional degree that prepares students for ordination as well as diverse ministries of congregational leadership. 

The program will provide students with relevant training and the skills necessary to analyze ministry practices through sustained biblical, ecclesiological and theological reflection, and to discern, shape and disseminate new practices in the service of the gospel. The program also prepares candidates for various types of chaplaincy, mission work at home and abroad, and other forms of church vocation and for graduate studies in theology and related disciplines. 

The Bachelor of Divinity (BD) program includes the study of religious texts and languages, doctrine, practice of worship, Christian ethics, engagement with world religions and practical ministerial skills. Though the Bachelor of Divinity is preparation for ministry, it is also a preparation for further research in religious studies.

The curriculum is designed to provide students with the spiritual formation, knowledge, and skills required to become committed, effective ordained clergy. The program is predominantly taught with research in the fourth year. The fourth year of study draws together the knowledge and skills learnt in the first three years. Recognizing that religious leadership will take place in a variety of vocational arenas, the remainder of the curriculum in Year Four (Semesters 7 and 8) is then shaped around three distinct Emphases or Tracks: Biblical Studies, Pastoral Studies and Christian Theology. The student is required to select one track/emphasis for specialization. With careful advising from their academic advisor, the student chooses two courses (6 credit hours) from the selected track/emphasis. 

Ministers of Religion always have a great deal to contribute towards national development in terms of social and moral leadership. Therefore, Christian leadership training must intellectually equip themselves with sound academic and ministerial competences which will enhance their performance in church ministry and their overall contribution to the development of society. The Bachelor of Divinity program is designed for this need.

The Bachelor of Divinity program aims to:

1. Offer a theological degree, Bachelor of Divinity, to qualified candidates to enable them use their God-given gifts extensively to serve the Lord and his church.
2. Prepare students for ordained ministry of the church in a rapidly changing society.
3. Integrate theological education with ministerial and spiritual formation in order to foster the link between academics and ministry as vital components in today’s ministerial training process.
4. Train church workers for continuous personal and professional growth in ministry.
5. Provide students with a solid foundation and preparation for advanced theological education at the postgraduate level, especially in the areas of Biblical studies, Systematic Theology and Pastoral Studies.

Upon completion of the program, the Bachelor of Divinity students will have:

1. Been equipped with solid theological and ministerial foundation coupled with leadership for ordained ministry as well as other non-ordained types of Christian ministries, including leadership, teaching, counseling, etc.
2. Developed appropriate skills in analysing biblical texts and arguments and produce clear written accounts of their knowledge and arguments.
3. Gained the solid academic foundation required for higher postgraduate studies.
4. Adequately preparation for any work of ministry, having been equipped with the relevant tools that will enable them to squarely confront the challenges and expectations of their vocation in church and society.

Duration

This program provides students with a four (4)-year (a maximum of 5 years) Bachelor of Divinity. 

Progression

1. A student who trails up to three (3) courses not exceeding 9 credits at the end of the year shall not be promoted to the next level. 
2. A student who trails more than 9 credits shall be required to repeat the level.
3. A student who has accumulated more than 7 Fs or failed more than 21 credits at the end of the year and has not made good through re-sit shall be withdrawn for poor academic performance.
4. A student who has a Grade Point Average (GPA) of less than 1.5 at any level will be withdrawn for poor academic performance.
5. A student withdrawn under c or d may opt to become an external student or may be required to change program completely and start at level 100.