The first college of the Bible in Nigeria was started in 1954 on twenty beautiful acres in the village of Ukpom. NCBC is hailed as the flagship of Christian education in that nation. The school is actually five years older than its overseeing organization, African Christian Schools.
Since 1954 programs offered on the campus have varied. The “tried and true” training of ministers is a constant throughout the years. NCBC currently has three program tracks for the students.
This Diploma in Theology is offered as the standard preaching school certificate. This diploma has been the standard for churches in Nigeria and West Africa for decades. This program is a rigorous 3-year program.
This accredited program is offered through an affiliation with the University of Calabar which allows NCBC to offer this valuable degree in Nigeria. This degree is good for students who are seeking a more challenging program than the Diploma and who may want to continue on in their studies.
This accredited program is offered through an affiliation with the University of Calabar which allows NCBC to offer this valuable degree. With this degree, graduates can seek employment in the public sector teaching. This will be a great blessing to the church as it will provide trained teachers and preachers, but also the ability for that minister to gain salary from the public sector and not depend upon the church.
In the summer of 1995, Young Owukiabo asked President Henry Huffard to meet with a number of Christian men representing the “Committee of Saints.” This organization was formed to establish a Bible training school in Western Nigeria. Four years of planning and negotiations later, West Nigeria Christian College was started on twenty-three acres of donated land outside Abeokuta. The school continues today with over 75 current students!
The two-year comprehensive Bible training program offered at WNCC serves two purposes. First, it prepares graduates of secondary school for university studies, grounding them in the faith and teaching them valuable study skills. Second, it serves as a basic course for men wishing to enter ministry. The program includes Bible, English, Ministry, World Religions, Education and Computer courses.
In 2006, a new program began. With an additional year of study, students may earn the Advanced Diploma in Christian Ministry. Students are led in higher level theology courses, such as the Greek Language, Christian Evidences, Ethics and Guided Research.
WNCC is under the able direction of Mr. ‘Biodun Owolabi who served as Secretary of the Committee of Saints and has worked as an administrator of the school since its inception. Owolabi received his MA in Biblical Studies from Harding University Graduate School of Religion. The school is guided by a seven-man Governing Board of Trustees, chaired by Mr. D.C. Ojeh. Through its early years, Mr. James Beckloff served admirably at Owolabi’s side as the school’s Registrar and resident missionary. The college has approximately six faculty members.
