By Fr. Michael Nsikak Umoh, CSN
With four major seminarians from among the first three pioneering sets obtaining first class honours, Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy, and with no third class or a pass, the very young regional seminary of St. Albert the Great, is gradually distinguishing itself as a citadel of spiritual and academic excellence.
The seminary, situated at Idowu Offoran within Abeokuta diocese, commenced operations with 42 pioneering students in 2015, though only 31 made it through the philosophy years, with one graduating with first class honours, 17 second class upper and 13 second class lower division. Only 17 are left in the final year now, most of whom have been ordained deacons. The 2016 set that followed, improved on the first record with two seminarians coming out with first class honours, out of 40 that graduated, 26 with second class upper and 12 with second class lower division.
The third set, the 2017 intake, now in first year theology, commenced with 71 students, but 60 graduated in Philosophy with one first class, 36 and 23 with second class upper and lower divisions respectively. The class is presently left with only 41 students because while some chose to leave on their own accord, some were advised to leave and some were transferred to other seminaries by their bishops.
The seminarians who have bagged first class honors are Kolawole Isaac of the 2015 intake from Ekiti diocese, Omoniyi Augustine Bamidele for Ekiti diocese and Okwuelum Barnabas Chukwuneike for Warri diocese both of the 2016 intake, and Ntaka John Okiemute for Warri diocese of the 2017 intake.
When asked how the class was able to record such feat with no third class or a pass from the entire 60 students, John Ntaka of the third set, first expressed shock but then gratitude to God for coming out with a first class; he said apart from God, it has been due to the very committed lecturers and the fact that the class has a very solid tutorials culture where the students help one another to digest lecture notes. He also appreciated the efforts and sacrifices of the Rector, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Anselm Ekhelar, the Dean of Studies, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. John Nwanze, the Head of Department, Philosophy, Very Rev. Fr. Peter Egbeh and all the in-house formators and other lecturers. He is gratefu to his former and presents bishops and expressed the willingness to submit himself and his talents to the Church for use through the directives of his bishop.
The Rector, Fr. Ekhelar was also full of joy and said that though not the ultimate, the results were very gratifying and encouraging for the formators. He thanked all those who have contributed enormously to the rapid development of the seminary, particularly parishes and societies in Lagos Archdiocese through the instrumentality of Archbishop Alfred Martins. He however lamented the urgent need of a chapel for the seminary, which according to him was necessary for a more conducive place of worship and for better training of the seminarians in the practical aspect of the liturgy.
PS: Do you mind helping the seminary in any way? Kindly contact the Rector on: [email protected] or through WhatsApp at +2348055458905
