E.T.S.A
ECWA Theological Seminary Aba
Learn more about the vision, mission, history, and values of ETSA.
In the early 1960s, SIM/ECWA leaders from Jos met several times to discuss establishing a Bible School in the Eastern Region of Nigeria to meet the manpower needs of ECWA, which was extending her ministry to that part of the country. Plans were made, and a Christian Training Institute (C.T.I) was opened at Ohuru in 1965. The first intake had six students, with the Local Pastor serving as Principal and teacher.
The Institute was located a few kilometers from Aba, using the existing small church building as a lecture room. A year later, the school was relocated to its present site at Umuokea Village, in a piece of land regarded as a virgin bush called “evil forest” known as OgwugwuNkpa, a dumping ground for everything considered accursed and evil, such as twin babies, lepers, and those with swollen stomachs.
The College was upgraded to Bible College status in 1966. After 25 years of intensive teaching, the need to upgrade the standard of the College became necessary. In 1992, it was officially upgraded to a Theological College, and in 2005, it attained Seminary status.
The Vision of ECWA Theological Seminary Aba (ETSA) is to be a beacon of excellence in sound theological education in Africa and beyond.
The mission of ETSA is to provide and maintain adequate resources and the enabling environment for recruiting, nurturing, and presenting men and women of high calling and commitment to serve the Church in diverse fields of her Divine mandate
Establish in the students sound evangelical, biblical, and scholastic teaching demonstrated in practical spiritual living.
ETSA philosophy of education is based on the inspiration and infallible Word of God. This philosophy is guided by the motivation for sound academic learning, practical ministry skills, and spiritual development. ETSA desires to graduate students who will correctly handle the Word of God with high ethical values.
In addition to missions and evangelistic zeal, students are trained with high ethical standards, rigorous academic instruction, and practical ministry experience.
ETSA courses are integrated to meet the present challenges in African Theological Education. This has informed departmentalization of her programmes.