NTCCA School of Extension – Zimbabwe Graduation 2025
The Nazarene Theological College of Central Africa (NTCCA), School of Extension in Zimbabwe, proudly celebrated the graduation of the Class of 2025 on Saturday, 13 September 2025, at Golden Conifer in Harare, Zimbabwe. The ceremony saw 32 students graduate, with 28 receiving their Diploma in Theology (26 from Zimbabwe East District and 2 from Zimbabwe West District) and 4 students awarded the Road to Emmaus Certificate, continuing their journey toward the diploma. Some of these graduates are already faithfully serving in local congregations.
There were many special guests who were able to attend, including the NTCCA Principal, Rev JC Lilema, Rev Benson Phiri, the Dean of Students and Mr Edington Gwedeza, the Registrar. Two missionaries were present, including Rev Nicholas Barasa as a guest speaker, and Rev Shaun Bati, NYI Coordinator on the Africa Region, as a special guest. There were also district superintendents present, Rev H Mutatu from Zimbabwe East and Rev M Sibanda from Zimbabwe Midlands. The audience was also blessed by the Living Water Falls Church Children’s Choir who filled the venue with uplifting worship, including the Nazarene hymn, “Called unto Holiness”.
In his address, Rev Lilema encouraged graduates with 2 Timothy 2:15, reminding them to rightly handle the Word of truth. Rev Saun Bati urged pastors to remain relevant in their communities as Christ commanded. Rev N Barasa reminded the graduates of their calling to serve with humility, integrity and courage in a world in need of truth and hope. Rev Oliver Chavunduka, who is leading the extension programme in Zimbabwe, while commenting on the graduation emphasised the need to train more pastors to expand the reach of the Church while also calling for greater investment in training facilities.
“This graduation marked not only an important academic milestone for me, but also a celebration of unity and shared achievement with my classmates and lecturers who journeyed alongside me,” said Hilary Kathlene Siyachitema, one of the graduates. Also, Brian Mugari, the 2025 Student Representative, stated, “This graduation was more than an event—it was a testimony to dedication, unity and excellence. I left feeling uplifted and proud of what we’ve accomplished together. It’s a lot to put in a statement…the dedicated and commitment and the amount of effort that was put for this graduation.”
The celebration concluded with a benediction and sending forth prayer by both Rev M Sibanda and Rev Hofisi Mutatu. After the closing prayer, everyone was invited to a fellowship meal, photography and joyful interaction. The 2025 graduation was hailed as a resounding success, bringing revival, renewal and fresh hope for the spread of the Gospel across Zimbabwe.
