Accra, Sept. 18, GNA - Dr Edward Ade, Rector of Northwestern Christian University in Florida, United States of America, on Thursday urged Africans to improve upon their knowledge base through research, writing and pursuing higher academic laurels.

"Studying, writing, reading and research make the brain work but in Africa we always find excuses for not using the brain to achieve our goals in life. Anyone can still learn and change his or her academic position irrespective of one's busy schedule," he said.

Dr Ade said this when the University conferred Doctor of Philosophy degree in Applied Theology and Organizational Governance on five graduates.

The graduates were Apostle Dr. Michael Kwabena Ntumy, immediate past chairman of the Church of Pentecost, Apostle Michael Kopah, Chairman of the Board for National Radio and Television at the Church of Pentecost, the Reverend Dr Samuel Asante Frimpong, Pastor Ashaiman Central Branch of Christ Apostolic Church, the Reverend Dr (Mrs) Theresa Nana Sesuwa Addai, lecturer, Philippine Baptist Theological Seminary and Dr Seth Nii Addy, Chairman of board of directors and Executive Medical Director of Rabboni Christian hospital at Tarkwa.

He said although African predecessors failed to apply the time theory where the brain was used judiciously, the trend had changed in modern times.

"No one has got more time than the other since everyone has a maximum of 24 hours to spend in a day. Applying the Time Theory, one can choose to be wise, brave, intelligent, skilful, foolish, coward and unintelligent."

Dr Ade called for the judicious use of the brain in order to leave a good legacy for the unborn generation.

Apostle Mrs Queronica Quartey, Executive Director of Springs Human Resource Support Services noted that the traditional arrangements and sanctions that made men and women to perform their roles effectively had broken down.

"Many wonder what children do after school hours without quality supervision and we are living with the impact of breakdowns in our society which has led to an increase in child, youth and adult indiscipline."

Apostle Mrs Quartey called for the development of new family support systems that would promote the nurturing, socialization of children and supporting the household.

Apostle Dr Ntumy urged pastors to sacrifice some their rest periods to do academic work in order to improve themselves in terms of knowledge acquisition.

Dr Nii Addy advised Christians to develop a strong faith in the Lord in order to receive glory and honour.

Dr Ntumy presented 2 copies of his thesis titled "Apostolic Governance of the Church of Pentecost and its Contributions to the Church's Phenomenal Growth" to the Pentecost University College.