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The Story of a Vision: Christ Apostolic Church Theological Seminary, Ile-Ife

In the heart of Ile-Ife stands an institution whose roots run deep into the history of the Christ Apostolic Church—an institution born out of a burning vision: to get people acquainted with God for the salvation of their souls and to prepare them to live eternally with Him.

This vision was not just a statement; it was a divine mandate. And so, in 1952, the Church Authorities laid the foundation for what would become one of the strongest centers of theological learning in Nigeria. The journey began in Ede, Osun State, when the Bible Training College (BTC) opened its doors on the 27th of March, 1952. Barely a month later, on the 1st of May, the college was formally inaugurated, with Pastor D. O. Odubanjo as its pioneering principal. The mission was clear: to train catechists—teachers of the Word—who would serve and strengthen the growing assemblies of Christ Apostolic Church.

But the story of the seminary has never been one of stagnation. Like Israel journeying through the wilderness, the college moved from place to place, each location leaving a mark on its legacy. In 1954, the school relocated from Ede to Erio-Ekiti. Three years later, in 1957, it moved again, this time to Efon Alaaye, with Mrs. O. O. A. Pearce serving as principal. In 1968, the school made yet another move, settling in Akure.

While the BTC grew, God was also planting other seeds of theological training within the Church. In February 1963, the Pastoral Training Institute was established in Ibadan (later moved to Agege, Lagos), specifically to train pastors. Meanwhile, as early as 1949, Prophet D. O. Babajide had founded the School of Prophets and Evangelists at Ilesa, preparing men and women who carried the fire of evangelism.

Each of these institutions pursued the same goal—to make disciples for Christ. And in 1979, their paths converged. On the 9th of September, 1979, they were merged into a single powerful force: the Christ Apostolic Church Theological Seminary (CACTS), now established at Ile-Ife.

From that point, CACTS became more than just a seminary; it became a movement—an educational arm of the Christ Apostolic Church that would shape not only the Church but also society at large. Its mission was to train a workforce whose character and learning would edify both the Church and the world. Generations of leaders, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and prophets passed through its walls, carrying the flame of knowledge and holiness into the nations.

Today, the seminary has blossomed into a network with 15 satellite campuses within and outside Nigeria, its graduates making remarkable impacts in both spiritual and secular spheres. At its helm is the Acting Provost, Pastor F. A. Olaniyi, leading the institution forward with a commitment to its founding vision and mission.

The motto remains unchanged, echoing through decades of ministry and learning: “Make Disciples for Christ.”

The story of Christ Apostolic Church Theological Seminary is not just the story of an institution—it is the story of a vision that refused to die, a mission that continues to expand, and a legacy that will endure for generations.