When the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) set out in 1952 to establish a theological training school, little did anyone know that it would grow into a fountain of spiritual and academic influence for decades to come. What began as a modest Bible Training College (BTC) in Ede, Osun State, has today blossomed into the Christ Apostolic Church Theological Seminary (CACTS), Ile-Ife, with multiple satellite campuses and a global footprint.
A Vision That Ignited a Legacy
At the heart of the seminary lies a timeless vision: to get people acquainted with God for the salvation of their souls and to live eternally with Him.
This vision is complemented by a clear mission—to train a workforce that will be qualified in character and learning in such a way that will edify the Church and society.
The institution’s guiding motto, “Make Disciples for Christ,” captures its unwavering commitment to producing men and women who are not just academically sound but spiritually grounded.
The Early Years: The Ede Beginning
The story began on 27th March 1952, when the Bible Training College opened its doors in Ede. Just weeks later, on 1st May 1952, the Church Authorities formally inaugurated the college, appointing Pastor D. O. Odubanjo as its first principal. The goal was simple yet profound: to train catechists (teachers) who would serve in Christ Apostolic Church assemblies across Nigeria.
The Years of Movement and Growth
The college’s history is marked by transitions that shaped its resilience.
In 1954, the BTC moved from Ede to Erio-Ekiti.
By 1957, it relocated again, this time to Efon Alaaye, under the leadership of Mrs. O. O. A. Pearce.
In 1968, another chapter opened with its move to Akure.
These relocations reflected both the growing needs of the Church and the adaptability of the institution in nurturing its divine mandate.
The Expanding Frontiers of Training
Even as BTC developed, other arms of theological training emerged within CAC:
The Pastoral Training Institute, established in 1963 at Ibadan (later moved to Agege, Lagos), specifically trained pastors.
The School of Prophets and Evangelists, founded in 1949 by Prophet D. O. Babajide at Ilesa, focused on raising evangelists and prophets filled with the fire of revival.
These parallel institutions became pillars of ministerial formation, equipping leaders who carried the CAC message far and wide.
The Grand Merger: Birth of CACTS
On 9th September 1979, a landmark transformation took place—the Bible Training College, the Pastoral Training Institute, and the School of Prophets and Evangelists were merged into one central institution: the Christ Apostolic Church Theological Seminary (CACTS), Ile-Ife.
From that point forward, CACTS was no longer just a training center but the theological heartbeat of the Christ Apostolic Church, mandated to unify, strengthen, and expand ministerial education under one umbrella.
A Seminary with Global Influence
Today, CACTS stands tall with 15 satellite campuses within and outside Nigeria. Its graduates have gone on to make indelible marks, not only within the Church but also in the wider society, bringing the principles of faith, character, and service into every sphere of life.
At present, the institution is under the capable leadership of the Acting Provost, Pastor F. A. Olaniyi, whose vision continues to drive the seminary forward in alignment with its founding mission.
A Living Testimony
For over seventy years, CACTS has remained faithful to its vision. It is not just a seminary; it is a living testimony of how God builds institutions through faith, sacrifice, and perseverance. From its humble beginnings in Ede to its present home in Ile-Ife, CACTS has shaped thousands of disciples who continue to shape the world.
Indeed, the history of CACTS is the history of a vision that refused to die, a mission that continues to inspire, and a legacy that will endure for generations.
