ISTM Nyankunde: Official Opening of the 2026–2027 Academic Year Under the Theme “Add Knowledge to Your Faith”
Abstract
The Higher Institute of Medical Techniques of Nyankunde (ISTM Nyankunde) held a solemn worship service on Monday, October 26, 2026, to mark the official opening of the 2026–2027 academic year, under the theme “Add Knowledge to Your Faith,” inspired by the biblical passage of 2 Peter 1:3–5. Moderated by Chaplain Kabange Daudet, the ceremony featured a sermon delivered by Professor Dr. Théophile Makpela, a lecturer at Shalom University of Bunia, who emphasized the importance of integrating scientific knowledge with Christian faith. The event brought together several political, administrative, academic, and healthcare authorities, including the representative of the Governor of Ituri Province, who officially declared the 2026–2027 academic year open.
Bunia, October 26, 2026 — The Higher Institute of Medical Techniques of Nyankunde (ISTM Nyankunde) held a solemn worship service on Monday, October 26, 2026, marking the official opening of the 2026–2027 academic year. The ceremony brought together political and administrative authorities, representatives of partner institutions, members of the Management Committee, staff, and the institution's academic community.
Held under the theme “Add Knowledge to Your Faith,” this spiritual and institutional celebration provided an opportunity to entrust the new academic year to God while emphasizing the importance of scientific education grounded in Christian values, ethics, and service to the community.
“Add Knowledge to Your Faith”: A Call to Enrich Faith Through Knowledge
The worship service, moderated by Chaplain Kabange Daudet, featured a sermon delivered by Professor Dr. Théophile Makpela, a lecturer at Shalom University of Bunia, on the theme “Add Knowledge to Your Faith,” based on the biblical passage of 2 Peter 1:3–5.
In his sermon, the speaker emphasized the need to integrate scientific knowledge with Christian faith, highlighting that science should add value to faith and contribute to the holistic development of human beings.
He explained that faith and science should not be viewed as opposing realities but rather as complementary dimensions that enable individuals to better understand their environment, deepen their understanding, and apply their knowledge in the service of God and humanity.
From this perspective, the development of scientific skills must go hand in hand with spiritual and moral values such as integrity, humility, wisdom, responsibility, and love for others.
This message is particularly meaningful for ISTM Nyankunde students, who are future healthcare professionals called to combine scientific expertise with ethical awareness and a strong commitment to human dignity.
A Ceremony Attended by Several Distinguished Authorities
The opening ceremony was attended by several prominent personalities and authorities, demonstrating the importance attached to higher education and the training of healthcare professionals in Ituri Province.
Among the distinguished guests were:
The representative of the Governor of Ituri Province;
The Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Evangelical Medical Center (CME);
The Executive Director of CME;
The Director of MUSACA;
The Medical Director of CME/CH Bunia;
Members of the Management Committee of ISTM Nyankunde;
Other distinguished guests and members of the academic community.
The presence of these personalities demonstrated their interest in the development of ISTM Nyankunde and its mission to train qualified healthcare professionals.
Official Launch of the 2026–2027 Academic Year
One of the highlights of the ceremony was the official declaration of the opening of the 2026–2027 academic year by Mrs. Irène Vaweka, Advisor to the Governor of Ituri Province in charge of Education, Sports, and Recreation, who represented the Governor at the event.
This solemn declaration marked the official beginning of a new chapter in the institution's academic life, paving the way for the continuation of teaching, scientific research, and community service activities.
The new academic year represents another opportunity for ISTM Nyankunde to pursue its mission of training competent, responsible, and dedicated healthcare professionals committed to improving the health and well-being of communities.
A New Academic Year Entrusted to God's Guidance
Through this opening worship service, ISTM Nyankunde reaffirmed its commitment to an educational approach that combines scientific excellence, personal development, and spiritual values.
This event also forms part of the ongoing spiritual initiatives organized by the Chaplaincy Service, particularly the staff spiritual retreat held on October 24, 2026, during which the institution entrusted all activities of the new academic year to God.
The theme “Add Knowledge to Your Faith” therefore serves as a call to the entire academic community to pursue excellence in learning, teaching, and research while remaining firmly rooted in Christian principles.
By placing the 2026–2027 academic year under this theme, ISTM Nyankunde expresses its determination to continue fulfilling its mission with dedication, responsibility, collaboration, and a strong commitment to serving the community.
May the 2026–2027 academic year be a year of peace, success, scientific excellence, and abundant blessings for the entire ISTM Nyankunde community.
Held under the theme “Add Knowledge to Your Faith,” this spiritual and institutional celebration provided an opportunity to entrust the new academic year to God while emphasizing the importance of scientific education grounded in Christian values, ethics, and service to the community.
“Add Knowledge to Your Faith”: A Call to Enrich Faith Through Knowledge
The worship service, moderated by Chaplain Kabange Daudet, featured a sermon delivered by Professor Dr. Théophile Makpela, a lecturer at Shalom University of Bunia, on the theme “Add Knowledge to Your Faith,” based on the biblical passage of 2 Peter 1:3–5.
In his sermon, the speaker emphasized the need to integrate scientific knowledge with Christian faith, highlighting that science should add value to faith and contribute to the holistic development of human beings.
He explained that faith and science should not be viewed as opposing realities but rather as complementary dimensions that enable individuals to better understand their environment, deepen their understanding, and apply their knowledge in the service of God and humanity.
From this perspective, the development of scientific skills must go hand in hand with spiritual and moral values such as integrity, humility, wisdom, responsibility, and love for others.
This message is particularly meaningful for ISTM Nyankunde students, who are future healthcare professionals called to combine scientific expertise with ethical awareness and a strong commitment to human dignity.
A Ceremony Attended by Several Distinguished Authorities
The opening ceremony was attended by several prominent personalities and authorities, demonstrating the importance attached to higher education and the training of healthcare professionals in Ituri Province.
Among the distinguished guests were:
The representative of the Governor of Ituri Province;
The Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Evangelical Medical Center (CME);
The Executive Director of CME;
The Director of MUSACA;
The Medical Director of CME/CH Bunia;
Members of the Management Committee of ISTM Nyankunde;
Other distinguished guests and members of the academic community.
The presence of these personalities demonstrated their interest in the development of ISTM Nyankunde and its mission to train qualified healthcare professionals.
Official Launch of the 2026–2027 Academic Year
One of the highlights of the ceremony was the official declaration of the opening of the 2026–2027 academic year by Mrs. Irène Vaweka, Advisor to the Governor of Ituri Province in charge of Education, Sports, and Recreation, who represented the Governor at the event.
This solemn declaration marked the official beginning of a new chapter in the institution's academic life, paving the way for the continuation of teaching, scientific research, and community service activities.
The new academic year represents another opportunity for ISTM Nyankunde to pursue its mission of training competent, responsible, and dedicated healthcare professionals committed to improving the health and well-being of communities.
A New Academic Year Entrusted to God's Guidance
Through this opening worship service, ISTM Nyankunde reaffirmed its commitment to an educational approach that combines scientific excellence, personal development, and spiritual values.
This event also forms part of the ongoing spiritual initiatives organized by the Chaplaincy Service, particularly the staff spiritual retreat held on October 24, 2026, during which the institution entrusted all activities of the new academic year to God.
The theme “Add Knowledge to Your Faith” therefore serves as a call to the entire academic community to pursue excellence in learning, teaching, and research while remaining firmly rooted in Christian principles.
By placing the 2026–2027 academic year under this theme, ISTM Nyankunde expresses its determination to continue fulfilling its mission with dedication, responsibility, collaboration, and a strong commitment to serving the community.
May the 2026–2027 academic year be a year of peace, success, scientific excellence, and abundant blessings for the entire ISTM Nyankunde community.
