The first ever Professorship in Biblical Hermeneutics at Piula Theological College was bestowed upon its College Chair, Reverend Dr. Mosese Mailo at the Mulivai-o-Aele, Faleula temple, on Sunday.

The Reverend is even only the second to be conferred the title of Professor in the 150-year history of the Methodist Theological College.

Whilst the achievement is a testament to his service to the religious denomination, the achievement resonates more personally with Rev.  Dr. Professor Mailo, saying he has fulfilled his mother’s dream.

Speaking to the Samoa Observer following the service on Sunday, he first gave thanks to God for using his humble services for His work.

Secondly, he said he hopes the achievement will enhance and improve his service to the Samoa Methodist Church and the nation.

“Service is the most important thing,” he said.

“But this is in remembrance of my dear mother. It was her dream.”

During the service, Rev. Dr. Professor Mailo thanked the denomination for the opportunity, not only for himself but for every son of Samoa who is given the trust to carry out God’s work through the Methodist Church.

“A professor is not to be worn as a crown, but to serve; to run and work as untitled men, to serve the Church through faith in God,” he said.

The decision for the title Professor to be conferred onto the principal was decided on July 15, 2021, based on the recommendations from Piula Committee.

Rev. Dr. Professor Mailo graduated with a Diploma in Theology from Piula in 1996, followed by a Bachelor in Divinity as the first graduates of Piula in the BD Programme in 2001.

He graduated a Master in Theology with Distinction from PTC in 2003, followed by a Doctor in Philosophy from Birmingham University in the United Kingdom in 2008.

In 2019, he earned a Diploma in Management of Higher Education Institution from the Galilee International Management Institute in Israel.

He has taught at the Piula Theological College for 15 years, including his years as the Piula Principal since 2014.

Rev. Dr. Professor Mailo is a former Chairman and a member of the South Pacific Association of Theological Schools (SPATS) executive committee, a former President of the Oceania biblical Studies Association, an Oxford Institution of Wesleyan Studies member and a Society of Biblical Literature U.S.A. member.

He has been a Thesis Reader and Examiner in the Master Level and PhD level since 2014. Rev. Dr. Professor Mailo has been a Reverend [Faifeau Fa’amaoni] for 22 years now.