Pastor Tobby Bags Honorary Doctorate Degree from Akwa Ibom State University

Pastor Tobby Bags Honorary Doctorate Degree from Akwa Ibom State University

The Chairman of Divine Seeds Schools and Ministries, Pastor Inyang Tobby, has been conferred with honorary doctorate degree, Doctor of Humane Letters (D.H.L) Honoris Causa by Akwa Ibom State University.

Pastor Inyang Tobby

The conferment took place today, Saturday 25th April, 2026 during the combined convocation held at the university campus in Ikot Akpaden, Mkpat Enin local government area of Akwa Ibom State.

Tobby was recognized by the university for his outstanding contributions to education, humanitarian service, professional excellence, and national development.

Other recipients are Alhaji (Dr.) Muhammadu Indimi, Engr. Uwem Stephen Okoko, His Highness, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, Mrs. Emem Usoro, Barr. (Mrs) Mina Tamuno Williams Agbons, Engr. Oliver Ebong and Engr. Elvis Osung.

Speaking with journalists, Pastor Tobby, who was flanked by his wife, Pastor Mrs. Inyang Tobby, expressed appreciation to Akwa Ibom State University for finding him worthy to be recognized among other distinguished personalities with the coveted award, reiterated his commitment to invest more in human and educational development.

Born in Ikot Edor, Onna Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Inyang Udo Tobby is a distinguished pastor, educationist, and humanitarian whose life of purposeful service has generated enduring impact across families, schools, and communities in Akwa Ibom State and beyond. His work represents a compelling synthesis of faith, education, and social responsibility, underpinned by a sustained commitment to human development and nation-building.

As Founder and Chairman of Divine Seeds Schools and Ministry, established in 2008, Pastor Tobby has pioneered a Christ-centred model of education that intentionally integrates academic excellence with moral and spiritual formation.

Under his visionary leadership, the institution has evolved into a modern learning environment equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including a 250-seat computer-based testing centre for national examinations, a functional ICT hub, an e-library, a skills acquisition centre, and specialised instructional spaces designed to prepare learners for the intellectual and vocational demands of the twenty-first century.

Pastor Tobby’s pedagogical philosophy is anchored on holistic education—the deliberate cultivation of critical thinking, character formation, and civic responsibility. His guiding vision of raising “the world’s Godly future champions” has informed innovative curricular structures, co-curricular programming, and strategic community partnerships. These initiatives have not only enhanced student performance but have also demonstrated how faith-based institutions can serve as viable platforms for advancing national human capital development.

Beyond the classroom, Pastor Tobby has institutionalised humanitarian outreach as a core dimension of his ministry. Through structured interventions, he has led regular visits to orphanages, organised annual food evangelism campaigns, and sustained scholarship schemes for vulnerable and underprivileged students.

His outreach efforts provide consistent support to widows, orphans, and economically disadvantaged populations, reflecting a theology of compassion that transcends episodic charity to embrace long-term empowerment, social inclusion, and community resilience.

Complementing his ministry and educational leadership is over twenty-seven years of professional experience in the oil and gas industry. His tenure at ExxonMobil and his current role as Facility Manager at Seplat Energy have equipped him with robust competencies in strategic management, governance, and resource optimisation. This cross-sectoral expertise has significantly strengthened the institutional capacity and sustainability of Divine Seeds Schools and Ministry, ensuring the effective translation of vision into enduring structures and measurable outcomes.

Pastor Inyang Udo Tobby exemplifies visionary leadership grounded in faith, service, and excellence. His contributions resonate strongly with the ideals of education, compassion, and societal transformation.