Community greatly impacted by ETSI

Founded in 1941, ECWA Theological Seminary - Igbaja (ETSI), Nigeria, is OC’s largest purely theological partner program in Africa and is preferred by many pastors in the region for their pastoral training. The interdenominational seminary offers courses that address issues such as HIV/AIDS, church administration and leadership training.

ETSI’s influence in the community can be seen in many ways. Recently, ETSI broadened its Doctor of Ministry program to help students better identify and find solutions to Africa’s challenges, such as training church workers in AIDS’ prevention and how to address inter-religious discrimination. Through required practical ministry assignments, students also learn how to effectively minister to prisoners, orphans and the homeless. In addition, ETSI lends a unified voice on addressing societal challenges through its graduates, many of whom are presidents and secretaries of ECWA, the fastest growing evangelical
denomination in Nigeria.

The seminary also believes in the education of the total family, so they have a full-fledged Nursery and Primary School, as well as a Women’s Bible Program to train the wives of seminary students.

Bachelor of Arts in Christian Education student David Owolabi currently preaches and is involved in evangelism and a teaching ministry in the surrounding villages. He says, “I am very sure that the lessons I have learned at ETSI will help me in my relationships with others. As a pastor, it will help me in counseling, encouraging and guiding others using my own experience.