THEOLOGICAL EDUCATION AND INVESTMENT IN A RECESSED NIGERIAN ECONOMY

Abstract

This paper examined the place of theological education and investment in a recessed
Nigerian economy. Theological education in Nigeria had been without government
subventions and grants. Therefore, investment mentality could be viewed as a tool of
enhancing the financial base of the theological education in a changing Nigerian
economy. Mismanagement of economy in Nigeria had been a great problem resulting to
backwardness in the global economic rating which had relegated Nigeria to the
background of other nations in spite of the numerous natural and human resources. Nonavailability
of funds had hampered the smooth and effective running of theological
institutions thereby creating a lacuna for moral turpitude to hibernate. However,
hermeneutical method was used in this paper to discover the biblical view on investment
and the necessity of adequate funds in promoting theological education. The paper
discovered that theology with paucity of fund poses a threat to the well-being of the
Church, educators and trainees of the theological education. This paper therefore
suggested that transparency and prudent financial management would promote
theological education; while investment in terms of entrepreneurial skills should be
inculcated in the life of theological educators. Courses in Investment and
entrepreneurship should be included in the curriculum of theological education to
enlighten the students and to serve as a guide against instability of funds in the dynamic
economy of Nigeria.