For more than seventy years, ECWA Theological Seminary, Igbaja (ETSI) has been making a difference in students’ lives and ministerial career pathways. For those considering getting into ministry, for people who want to be better equipped for the ministry, for people seeking theological studies that will take them to new and exciting places, studying at ETSI is a gateway to new possibilities. Visit ECWA Theological Seminary Igbaja website
From its beginning in 1941, ECWA Theological Seminary, Igbaja (ETSI) has been centered on building generations of Pastors, Christian Educators, Missionaries and Christian leaders. Adhering to this vision enables the students of ETSI to tackle real world challenges within a Christian framework while making innovative contributions to the communities in which they live and serve. ETSI prepares its graduates with the necessary qualities, knowledge and problem- solving skills that ensure they stand tall among peers in the ministry.
Our campus location, size (landmass to student’s population) and smaller student body makes getting to know other students and staff so much easier – ensuring you don’t feel alone for very long! Attending ETSI is not just about attending lectures as we do have students from various part of Nigeria and some other African countries; we also provide enabling environment to enhance your experience and help you to achieve your study goals. It is a big family affair.
History
The ECWA Theological Seminary, Igbaja (ETSI) was established in 1941 by Rev. Dr. William G. Crouch, an American Missionary from California, who came to Nigeria on the platform of the Sudan Interior Mission (now Serving In Mission, [SIM]). The Institution is wholly owned and operated by Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA). It is located in Igbaja, Kwara State, Nigeria.
ETSI began to offer Bachelor of Theology (B.Th) degree in 1972. Today, there are five different Bachelor of Arts (B.A) degree programs, one of which is affiliated to the University of Ibadan (B.A. Christian Religious Studies). All our programs from Diploma to Doctor of Ministry are accredited by Association of Christian Theological Education in Africa (ACTEA).
In 1987, the Seminary introduced programs of Biblical and Pastoral Studies at the Master’s Degree level, thus becoming the first Evangelical Seminary in English – speaking West Africa to do so. The Seminary graduated her first set of Doctor of Ministry (D. Min) in 2003.
Aims and Objectives of the Seminary
- To provide sound and Bible-based theological education for men and women and to make them theologically adequate for the challenges of the 21st century.
- To train Christian men and women who are called into full-time or part-time Christian Ministry as Pastors, Evangelists, Missionaries, and Teachers of God’s Word in Primary and Secondary Schools, tertiary institutions, Military Chaplaincy in Nigeria and other Christian organizations.
- To give sound theological training that is relevant to the needs and aspirations of the church and societies in Africa.
- To train men and women to become committed to their calling, devoted to Jesus Christ and are, in turn, able to train others for the ministry of the Gospel (II Tim. 2:2).For more than seventy years, ECWA Theological Seminary, Igbaja (ETSI) has been making a difference in students’ lives and ministerial career pathways.
From its beginning in 1941, ETSI has been centred on building generations of Pastors, Christian Educators, Missionaries and Christian leaders. Adhering to this vision enables the students of ETSI to tackle real world challenges within a Christian framework while making innovative contributions to the communities in which they live and serve. ETSI prepares its graduates with the necessary qualities, knowledge and problem- solving skills that ensure they stand tall among peers in the ministry.
ETSI combines a commitment to academic excellence with a commitment to the truth of God’s word. We offer:
Certificate Programs
Theology
Pastoral Studies
Diploma Programs
Theology
Pastoral Studies
Christian Religious Studies (Affiliated to University of Ibadan, Nigeria)
Bachelor of Arts Degree Programs
Theology
Christian Education
Mission and Evangelism
Pastoral Studies
Christian Religious Studies (Affiliated to University of Ibadan, Nigeria)
Graduate School Programs
Post Graduate Diploma (Theology)
M.A Christian Education
M.A Mission and Evangelism
M.A Pastoral Studies
M.A Old Testament
M.A New Testament
M. A Systematic Theology
Master of Divinity
M.A Leadership and Organizational Management (in Affiliation with DAI, USA)
Doctor of Ministry
*Pastoral Care and Counseling
*Pulpit Ministry
*Church Administration
Personal
ETSI has created a unique environment and culture – a distinction that distinguishes it from other Theological Seminaries. Studying at ETSI is a personal and friendly experience, where the focus is on individual support, spiritual growth and encouraging community life. We are passionate about bringing back straying sheep into the fold through disciplinary actions with the love of Christ.
Accreditation
ETSI occupies an integral niche within the theological education in Africa with rich background of aggregate experience of the faculty and staff.
• ETSI is approved by ACTEA
• ETSI is accredited by National Universities Commission
We are proud that our graduates consistently rate their course experience as part of the Africa continent’s best. Our size ensures that we can deliver academic excellence at undergraduate and postgraduate levels – with professional, real-world relevance being our highest priority.
Affordable
Pay as you study! At ETSI, fees are charged by credit hours offered, this plan makes studying at ETSI absolutely affordable and accessible for all eligible students. There is also, work scholarship plan for students.
Hands-on experience
Classroom learning is always enhanced in real world, real time experiences. ETSI has developed strong relationship with erudite scholars across the world that regularly come to deliver papers, lead seminars and workshops so that students are exposed to the major issues and ideas currently impacting their area of study within global space situation. Networking with these theological scholars also assists students to develop opportunities for their future.
ETSI offers practicum placements, internships and various other practical experiences in order for students to learn from real world experience in the ministry.
Flexible
Our courses have been developed to allow our students flexible study options. We recognise that study is just one aspect of a student’s life – there is employment to maintain, businesses to run, families to consider and personal commitments to juggle. We offered full-time, part-time (summer) and contact academic sessions; all of which help students to integrate their work, study and life in a personalized way that provides a balance suitable to them.
Committed faculty
Most of the faculty members have extensive proficient experience in their chosen field of study. They have a common vision to deliver more than just teaching excellence. Combine this with smaller classes, one-on- one mentoring and individualized study.
ETSI Campus Life
Our campus sits in a peaceful serene and scenic setting of Savannah grassland of Kwara, North Central Nigeria– easily accessible from the state capital. Hostels are provided for both single and married students.
Spiritual Life
We are determined to uphold the core Christian values and lead students by such values and standards. The Seminary Chapel programs range from daily worship, Sunday service and bible study meetings. Students are scheduled to minister and share their field experience for better and in-house practice of the ministry. Our Children and Teenager Churches are well supervised just in case you have children and wards. Women Bible School is also available for married students’ spouses who wish to stay with their husband in the course of study in ETSI.
Student Life
Our campus location, size (landmass to student’s population) and smaller student body makes getting to know other students and staff so much easier – ensuring you don’t feel alone for very long! Attending ETSI is not just about attending lectures as we do have students from various part of Nigeria and some other African countries; we also provide enabling environment to enhance your experience and help you to achieve your study goals. It is a big family affair.
Facilities
The school has well equipped library, top notched hostel facilities and WI-FI internet facilities around the campus for easy learning. In addition, the school main power generating set provides energy during public power outage. Portable water is provided in all hostels and lecture rooms areas. There is also adequate security system in place to safeguard life and properties.
Peer group support
Starting school can be a bit daunting; the good news is ETSI has a peer support program through its Student body just for you. It is run by students for students aimed at helping you settle into life at ETSI
Recreation and Sport
We encourage sporting activities as a way of keeping fit such as football, basketball, volleyball, badminton and table tennis
How do I apply?
We consider each applicant to Smart University as a whole person, and put enormous care into evaluating every application. Applying to ETSI is simple! Persons desiring to enter ETSI for any of our programs from certificate to doctoral degree must apply by obtaining form, fill and submit on or before the 28th day of February and or the 30th of September to the Admission & Students Records Unit of the Registry. The entrance exam and oral interview is conducted in the months of March and October respectively. You will be notified of the dates of exam and interview
