On Sunday, June 14, 2026, the Cocody Stake Center hosted a major fireside organized by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in the presence of a delegation from BYU–Pathway Worldwide. Coming from all parts of Abidjan and its surrounding areas, a large number of members and friends of the Church gathered for a moment marked by spirituality, fellowship, and the presentation of the online education program.
The delegation included Brother Todd Miner, Vice President for Global Engagement and Operations; Brother Victor Ukorebi, Senior Area Manager Africa; and Brother Francis Akporh, Area Manager for West Africa.
During the meeting, Brother Francis Akporh presented the key stages of the BYU–Pathway Worldwide program, an online educational initiative established by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in partnership with international universities. He explained that the program, accessible regardless of geographic location, begins with “Pathway Connect,” a foundational preparatory year designed to strengthen academic and learning skills.
Participants can then continue their studies through partner universities to earn an associate degree, equivalent to a two-year diploma, or a bachelor’s degree, equivalent to an undergraduate qualification. Brother Akporh, himself a graduate of the program, testified to its impact, noting that many young people within the community have been able to access meaningful professional opportunities through BYU–Pathway Worldwide.
He also emphasized the moral and ethical dimension of the program, which aims not only to build academic competence but also to develop responsible citizens who can serve both their communities and society at large, in line with global workforce needs.
For his part, Brother Todd Miner highlighted the importance of education in building a just society. He stressed the need to educate individuals in both temporal and spiritual matters, stating that “education makes the difference between wanting to do good and being able to do it.” He further noted that BYU–Pathway Worldwide reflects a commitment to the growth of knowledge and personal development for the benefit of society.
The event helped strengthen interest in the program while offering a meaningful moment of spiritual unity and exchange within the Church community in Abidjan.
