Governing document
Constitution of Trinity Institute of Biblical Studies and Seminary
Preamble
We, members of Trinity Institute of Biblical Studies and Seminary, believing in the Holy Trinity - God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit - and committed to the training of men and women for sound biblical ministry, Christian leadership, and godly service, do hereby adopt this Constitution as the supreme governing document of the Institute.
- 1.1 Trinity Institute of Biblical Studies and Seminary, referred to as the Institute or TIBSS.
- 1.2 Motto: “Sound Doctrine, Godly Character, Spirit-Filled Service.”
- 1.3 Logo and seal as approved by the Board of Trustees.
- 2.1 34 Ayodeji Oyebobola Street, Abigo GRA, Ibeju Lekki, Lagos, Nigeria.
- 2.2 The Institute may establish campuses, study centres and extension centres in Nigeria and beyond, subject to Board approval.
- Vision: To raise Spirit-filled, biblically grounded, and godly leaders who will transform the Church, the nations, and generations for Christ through sound doctrine, godly character, and Spirit-filled service.
- Mission: To provide sound theological education, practical ministry training, and spiritual formation that equips pastors, evangelists, teachers, missionaries, and Christian leaders to preach the Gospel, disciple nations, and serve God with excellence and integrity.
- Core Values: Sound Doctrine; Holiness & Godly Character; Prayer & the Holy Spirit; Excellence & Integrity; Service & Love.
- 4.1 Train pastors, evangelists, teachers, missionaries, church workers and Christian leaders.
- 4.2 Offer Certificate, Diploma, Bachelor's, Postgraduate Diploma, Master's and Doctoral programmes in Biblical Studies, Theology, Christian Education, Missions and related fields, subject to approved offerings and applicable recognition.
- 4.3 Promote biblical research, publication and Christian literature.
- 4.4 Organise seminars, conferences, crusades, retreats and leadership training.
- 4.5 Partner with churches, ministries and Bible colleges locally and internationally.
- 4.6 Establish a library, media centre and e-learning platform for theological education.
- 5.1 The Holy Scriptures: The Bible is the inspired, infallible and authoritative Word of God. (2 Timothy 3:16)
- 5.2 The Trinity: One God eternally existing in three Persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. (Matthew 28:19)
- 5.3 Jesus Christ: His deity, virgin birth, death, burial, resurrection and second coming. (John 1:1, 14)
- 5.4 Salvation: By grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone. (Ephesians 2:8–9)
- 5.5 The Holy Spirit: The baptism and gifts of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:1–4; 1 Corinthians 12)
- 5.6 Christian Ordinances: Water baptism by immersion and the Lord's Supper. (Matthew 28:19; 1 Corinthians 11:23–26)
- 5.7 Christian Living and Resurrection: Holiness of life, divine healing and resurrection of the dead. (Hebrews 12:14)
- 6.1 Founder, Board of Trustees, Governing Council, Principal, Staff, Lecturers, Students and Alumni.
- 6.2 Persons accepting the Constitution and Statement of Faith may apply for student admission or staff appointment.
- 6.3 Membership may end by resignation, graduation, withdrawal or disciplinary action.
- Board of Trustees — vision, property and long-term direction.
- Governing Council — highest administrative and policy-making body.
- Academic Board — curriculum, examinations, admissions and graduations.
- Management Team — day-to-day administration.
- Students' Representative Council — student voice.
- 8.1 Not fewer than 5 and not more than 9 members.
- 8.2 The Founder, Pastor Emmanuel A. Oyebobola, is Chairman and Life Patron.
- 8.3 Trustees serve renewable five-year terms.
- 8.4 The Board approves major policies, Principal appointments, property acquisition and constitutional amendments.
- Members: Chairman of Trustees, Principal, Vice Principal (Academic), Vice Principal (Administration), Registrar, Bursar, Dean of Students and two staff representatives.
- The Council meets at least quarterly; quorum is two-thirds.
- Principal/Rector (Chief Executive and Academic Head); Vice Principal (Academic); Vice Principal (Administration); Registrar; Bursar; Dean of Students; Librarian; Chaplain and other necessary officers.
- Certificate, Diploma, Bachelor, postgraduate, Master's, Doctoral and approved short-course categories.
- Admission is open to born-again Christians of good character with pastor/church recommendation.
- Students complete required courses, pass examinations, meet character requirements and pay prescribed fees.
- Graduation and certificates require Academic Board and Governing Council approval.
- Funds come from tuition, donations, offerings, grants, partnerships and investments.
- Funds are paid into the Institute bank account; the Bursar keeps proper accounts.
- An annual external audit is approved by the Board; no personal use of Institute funds.
- An Annual General Meeting is held yearly.
- Emergency meetings may be called by the Principal or Chairman with 7 days' notice.
- Decisions are by simple majority, except constitutional amendments, which require a two-thirds majority.
- Godly conduct and compliance are required.
- Offences include immorality, dishonesty, examination malpractice, theft, fighting, disrespect to authority and doctrinal deviation.
- Measures include warning, suspension or expulsion/dismissal after fair hearing; a Disciplinary Committee hears cases and recommends action.
- Property acquired in the Institute's name belongs to the Institute; sale or transfer requires Board approval.
- By two-thirds vote of the Board of Trustees and Governing Council at a meeting called for that purpose, with 21 days' notice.
- By three-quarters vote of the Board of Trustees; remaining assets after debts are transferred to a Christian organisation with similar objectives; no distribution to members.
- Effective upon adoption and signing by the Founder and Board of Trustees.
Pastor Emmanuel A. Oyebobola — Founder / Chairman, Board of Trustees
Date:
Registrar / Secretary
Date:
Signature lines are provided for the official signed copy; this page is not an executed document.