PROACTIVE APPROACHES TO ACADEMIC EXCELLENCEJoshua 1:7, 8; Psalm 1:1-3

The concept of proactive approaches for excelling academically is based on individuals or policy, controlling a definite situation by ensuring that things happen rather than waiting for things to occur before reacting to them. The approaches ensure that human actions are properly guided, directed and focused on identified/pointed situations in order to attain the desirable outcomes (Psalm 1:1-3). It stresses on activities of humans to bring definite events to occur rather than waiting for inactivated events and reacting to the consequences and/or outcomes. On the basis of Scriptures, good success (excellence) is largely predicated on the policy thrust of strength, courage, proper observation of set guidelines (rules), good meditation, obedience and prompt action (Joshua 1:7, 8). We shall examine this presentation under the following sub-topics:1. Divine Provisions for Academic Excellence2. Determined Pitfalls to Academic Excellence3. Desirable Procedures to Academic Excellence

1. DIVINE PROVISIONS FOR ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE2 Peter 1:3, 4; Psalm 1:1-3; 2 Corinthians 7:1; 3 John 2; Exodus 23:25, 26; Joshua 1:7, 8; Deuteronomy 28:1-14; Exodus 15:26

The Scriptures reveal that the Almighty God consciously and concisely made provisions for the prosperity and success of His children. The provisions cover all aspects of mans existence and endeavours-spiritual, physical, social, technological, information and communication technology, scientific, environmental, economic, and so on (2 Peter 1:3, 4). Academic excellence and sound health (3 John 2) are not left out of the divine provision of God. The implication of Gods provision is channelled towards holistic transformation of mankind in order to completely attain the nature and attributes of God-perfection (Matthew 5:48; Genesis 17:1). So, children of God in the Campus community are rest assured that excellence in their career and vocation is guaranteed and sustained as they separate, consecrate and surrender their will to the perfect will of God (Romans 12:1, 2; 2 Corinthians 6:17, 18).

2. DETERMINED PITFALLS TO ACADEMIC EXCELLENCEProverbs 4:1-7; 1:8-10; Psalm 1:4-6; 34:16; Romans 1:18-32

The word of God in the Scriptures succinctly showed that the Almighty God is against them that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth (Psalm 34:16), as their success is like a chaff which the storm carrieth away (Job 21:18). Great evil manifest in Campus communities through numerous vices such as examination mis-conducts amongst students, immoral relationships, nudity, plagiarism, pseudo-religion, amongst the academic staff and records falsification, stealing and money embezzlement amongst the non-teaching, technical, and administrative staff. Indeed, the degree of corruption among the rank and file (staff and students) in the Campus community seem largely embarrassing and pitiable. Perhaps, most worrisome is the degree of impersonation, occultism, rape, hooliganism, large-scale murder, and maiming amongst cult groups, laziness, covetousness, uncontrolled internet browsing and numerous social network vices and criminality negatively impact on academic excellence of members of the Campus communities (Romans 1:29-32; 2 Timothy 3:1-5). Moreover, disobedience to divine ordinances and precepts (1 Samuel 15:22, Hebrews 13:17), coupled with negligence of the Campus leadership and members to ordained principles of love (John 13:34, 35; 1 Timothy 2:1-4), adversely influence academic excellence.The following pitfalls should be avoided completely:1. Planlessness2. Procrastination3. Laziness Proverbs 6:6-84. Stealing of all kinds5. Corruption6. Occultism and pseudo-religion7. Poor work/reading schedule8. Bribery and nepotism9. Covetousness10. Negligence of duties and responsibilities

3. DESIRABLE PROCEDURES TO ACADEMIC EXCELLENCEJoshua 1:7, 8; Psalm 1:1-3; 40:5; Proverbs 4:5-7; 23:23; Jeremiah 29:11-13;

The adoption of proactive approaches (procedures) to attaining academic excellence hinges on the acknowledgement and recognition of divine-human partnership in accomplishing success (Psalm 1:1-3). The emphasis is on comprehension and appreciation of God as the author of knowledge and wisdom that influences the wellbeing of humanity (Proverbs 4:5-7; 5:1; Psalm 40:5).Underlying philosophy of excellence: A Proactive Perception:E -> Empowered and equipped by the Spirit of God Rom. 8:14; Gal. 5:18X -> X-rayed and completely separated from the world 2 Corinthians 6:17,18C -> Consecrated and committed to Christ Romans 12:1, 2; 6:13, 16, 19E -> Emptied of envy and self-ego 1 Corinthians 13:4, 1 Thessalonians 5:14L -> Lowliness and total humility 1 Corinthians 13:4; Philippians 2:8E -> Exemplary and exploit for Christ Daniel 12:32b; 1 Corinthians 14:33, 40N -> Nurture and nourished in the Lords vineyard Psalm 19:7-9; 37:31; 119:11C -> Christ-like nature Philippians 2:5-8; Matthew 11:29E -> Enduring all things as enlisted Christs Ambassadors 2 Cor. 6:2, 5:20

Desirable Procedure/Principles to Attain Academic ExcellenceThe following consist of worthwhile procedures and principles to attain academic excellence:1. Adequate preparation: This will ensure the creation of enabling environment for the actualization of opportunities Proverbs 24:27;2. Address the concerns and possess love, since your work area will dominate your life time, ensure you love what you are doing;3. Adopt your choice and start earnestly. Avoid procrastination and never be discouraged by early setbacks;4. Act in the right direction of your desire. Avoid being discouraged in the initial slow pace of advancement as long as you remain focused;5. Adopt completely the power of creativity, imagination, and visions (dreams). Ensure proper visualization of your imaginations, while avoiding external influences and environmental constraints;6. Aim and focus big, that is, you should think big, act big and set your goals big based on existing opportunities. Think beyond human possibilities, bearing in mind you possess divine partnership Luke 1:37; Matthew 19:26;7. Attentively focus on growth, since seemingly obstacles are cleverly disguised opportunities for growth. Every attempt at tackling challenges improves your positive chances of excellence;8. Actualize and sustain your determination. As correct/concrete effort is channelled at determination, your success will be realized through various odds. Enough determination entails you will promptly discover a way no matter the challenges;9. Articulate a clear vision. Ensure you articulate properly your dreams (visions), by developing a clear sense of your goals. Keep your objectives in constant focus by continuous assessment of the progress of work;10. Along the way of execution, establish goals. These specific goals should be measurable, specific, realistic and timely. These goals assist one in defining the appropriate steps needed for success;11. Articulate action plan for your work. Ensure that proper plans are made for each specific goals realization. Allow your plans to identify one or more possible routes for success;12. Abide and be committed to taking action. Once you start your work, ensure persistence, as you discover obstacles, address them and continue your march forward;13. Adopt the use of affirmation positive expressions to sustain your interest and ensure success;14. Avoid completely negative influences around you that could distract you from your set goals. Maintain good relationship with individuals and groups that serve as positive reinforcements to your success, and;15. Appreciate your possession and be grateful. What you possess and have attained should be appreciated and ensure what you desire, where you desire and how you actualize them will improve your situation;