By Kefa Senoga

Uganda Christian University (UCU) hosted Dr. Philip Graham Ryken, President of Wheaton College in Illinois, USA, as the guest speaker for the university’s 2025 Annual Public Lecture held on 2nd July at Nkoyoyo Hall under the theme “A Home of Faith and Learning.”

Speaking to students, staff, church leaders, and alumni, Dr. Ryken shared a powerful message about the long history and importance of Christian education especially during difficult times like war, poverty, and moral challenges.

“Some of the best moments in Christian education have happened during the hardest times,” Dr. Ryken said. “These moments bring out creativity, courage, and strong faith.”

He reflected on Magnus Aurelius Cassiodorus, a Roman leader who, in 540 AD, left politics to start a learning center based on faith in southern Italy. There, students memorized the Bible and copied old books to preserve knowledge. Dr. Ryken said UCU is doing something similar today by creating a place where faith, education, and service come together.

He also referenced John Milton, the famous English writer, who believed Christian education should help people become better in character, knowledge, and service. Speaking to present-day issues like financial pressures, public criticism of Christian values, and the rise of artificial intelligence, Dr. Ryken reminded the audience that Christian education may not be popular in today’s world but now is the best time to show why it matters.

He shared a personal story about how his first-year writing class changed his life not through preaching, but because the teacher believed good writing honors God. 

“God is not just in our prayers. He is also present in our classrooms,” Dr. Ryken said. “Even writing a good sentence can be an act of worship.”

He urged students and teachers not just to be believers who study but to become Christian scholars, using faith in every part of work and learning. 

In response, Rt. Rev. Prof. Alfred Olwa, Chairperson of the UCU University Council, speaking on behalf of the Chancellor The Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, thanked Dr. Ryken for his presentation. He expressed gratitude for the presence of Wheaton College and Daystar University, calling for continued collaboration so that “the pursuit of truth is harmonised with the pursuit of purpose.”

Bishop Olwa described a true university as more than a center of knowledge: “A place where hearts are formed as much as minds are informed.” He stressed that faith gives learning its ethical framework, its human face, and its moral compass.

He envisioned universities that foster respect, character, purpose-driven learning, and a community of care—spaces where God is honored, human dignity is affirmed, and faith works alongside academic freedom.

Quoting Proverbs 9:10, he said: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”

He concluded by inviting universities to reimagine themselves as homes of faith and learning, where “truth is pursued with conviction, learning is guided by love, and faith is lived with integrity.”

UCU Vice Chancellor Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi welcomed Dr. Ryken and his team, calling the keynote “a timely and powerful reminder of what UCU stands for.” He said the lecture fit perfectly with UCU’s graduation week theme, and emphasized the university’s commitment to combining academic excellence with spiritual formation.

“Building this campus as a home of faith and learning is exactly what this week and our long-term vision are all about,” he said.

Prof. Mushengyezi acknowledged the influential role of Wheaton College in mentoring institutions like Daystar University, and added: “When we were starting UCU, we took notes from both Wheaton and Daystar. UCU is a culmination of the good things they have done.”

He appreciated Wheaton’s support in training UCU staff in e-learning and faith integration, and for sending students through semester-abroad programs. “We value our partnership a lot,” he added.

Prof. Mushengyezi also highlighted UCU’s appreciation of its own legacy, including naming a building after former Vice Chancellor Dr. John Senyonyi in recognition of his foundational leadership; “We honor those who came before us and laid the right foundation.”

Adding his voice, Prof. Laban Ayiro, Vice Chancellor of Daystar University, emphasized the need for Christian universities to guide today’s youth with deeper values.

“We have a chance as Christ-centered universities to give an alternative in terms of values—especially spiritual values—to today’s youth,” he said. “This is an urgent call to UCU and other like-minded universities to go out and be kingdom builders, because we are carrying the fruit of the Spirit.”

Together, the reflections of Dr. Ryken, Bishop Olwa, Prof. Mushengyezi, and Prof. Ayiro painted a united vision for Christian higher education in Africa—one grounded in truth, character, excellence, and unwavering faith.