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HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF THE COLLEGE In an era of many Bible Colleges and Institutions, the need to learn Biblical truth in a highly specialised Theological College cannot be over- emphasised. The Baptist College of Theology (BCT), Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria, has been destined to meet that need. Its vision is centred on Christian Theology with a view to equipping approved persons (2 Timothy 2:15) in the propagation of the Gospel through evangelism, missions, pastoring, educational ministries, music and other church-related ministries. It is necessary here to give a brief background history of the College. But before going into that, it is germane to digress a little to state, for record purposes, and the benefit of the younger generation of Baptists, that a Baptist Bible School had existed here at Benin City in the late fifties. According to reliable historical sources, the need for trained pastors to man the increased number of churches in the then Benin and Delta provinces prompted the American Baptist Mission to establish in 1956 a Bible School at Benin City. The school was under the supervision of Rev. & Mrs. O. C. Robison, the then Missionaries in charge of Benin Area. Initially, the course of study at the school was for two years with an academic session of six months at a stretch; that is, the school had to run for six months and recess for another six months. It was, however, said that during that early period, the school had a peripatetic existence due mainly to the dearth of teachers. Whenever the American Missionary in charge was on furlough, the School would move to another location where a Missionary was available. Thus, three locations were then created for the school, namely, Benin City, Eku and Warri. Among those who were students at the Bible School in Benin City were Rev. J. A. Airueghiomo, Professor Christopher O. Dime (of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma), and Mr. M. O. Abednego, a retired Superintendent of Police. Among the teachers then were Rev. Prof. Osadolor Imasogie (JP) and Late (Mrs) Y.A. Imasogie. For one reason or the other, that Bible school was then moved from Benin City and stationed permanently in Eku, which later metamorphosed into the Baptist Bible College, Eku (now named Baptist Theological Seminary, Eku). The vision for having the present Baptist College of Theology, Benin City, was inspired by the Holy Spirit with the goal of reaching the world and train men and women for the vast end-time army of the Lord Jesus Christ. It came into being as an outcome of a divinely prompted private research carried out by Rev. Noel I. I. Aihie (JP). Impressed by the rapid spread of Baptist Churches in Edo State but depressed by the fact the insufficient number of Edo indigenes, particularly that Benin people are not being theologically trained to man these churches, Rev Aihie carried out a research about why this was the case. Surprisingly, his research revealed that the paucity of Edo Baptist Theologically-trained pastors was not due to a lack of responses to the call of God by Edo people, but for an uncanny reluctance on the part of majority of them to leave the State in search of theological education. The proof of above situation is evident in the fact that several Baptist people are enrolled in many non-Baptist Bible Schools that dotted Edo land. These young Baptists, after training in such non-Baptist Schools, either establish their own ministries or become pastors in the mostly Pentecostal denominations that own the schools in which they were trained. Also, the researched conducted by Aihie discovered that a sizeable number of Baptists who enrolled in the non-Baptist theological schools do not necessarily to train to serve as pastors but to satisfy their desire for a better and deepened understanding of the Christian Faith. Armed with the research findings as documented above, Rev. Noel I. I. Aihie (JP), who was then Edo Baptist Conference Representative on the Executive Committee of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, brought the matter up at the meeting of the Executive Committee of the Convention held at Ede, Osun State on 24th March 1994. The response of the Convention Executive to his presentation was recorded on page 189 of the 1995 Nigerian Baptist Book of Reports for the 82nd Annual Session of the Convention held at Oyo in Oyo State on 22nd – 27th April 1995 as follows:- 94: 2:25 General Matters- (a) Request for Baptist Bible School in Edo Conference: Mr. Noel I. I. Aihie, the Edo Conference representative requested as a matter of urgency the establishment of a Pastors’ Bible School in Benin, Edo State to arrest the massive exodus of young Baptist Youth interested in evangelism to other denominations. He claimed that most of the youth were enrolling in non-Baptist Bible Schools and believed that this drain could be aborted if our Pastors’ Bible School by…. was established. After the presentation, members felt concerned and directed Edo Baptist Conference to formally apply for the establishment of such institution, bearing in mind the guidelines and conditions. On 20th May 1994, the Executive Committee of Edo Baptist Conference, in which Rev. Noel I. I. Aihie held membership, set up a Bible School Committee. It is recorded on page 5 of the proceedings of that meeting thus: “A Committee of five (5) persons was set up to look into the issue of setting up a Bible School in Edo Baptist Conference. They are Rev. Prof. O. Imasogie (JP), (Chairman), Mrs. J. I. Idehen, Deaconess V. O. Ojemudia (JP), Rev. Dr. P. O. Ebhomielen, Rev. A. O. Osaghae, Rev. P. O. Abolagba and Mr. N. I. I. Aihie.” With the impanelling of this committee, the seed of Baptist College of Theology in Edo State, which God sowed in the mind of one man started its process of gestation until it came to birth on 9th December 1996. Soon after the official approval was given for the College, the Edo Baptist Conference set up the Board of Governors made up of Deacon W. J. Anukpe (JP), a seasoned Banker and Economist (now late) as the Chairman, and the following as members: Dr Iyayi Effianayi (JP), Deaconess (Mrs) V. O. Ojemudia (nee Obaseki); Barrister Alfred Iyamu, Rev. B. O. Ekhator (JP), Deacon (Prof) S. U. Akpovi, Late Deacon (Prof.) John O. Afe (JP), Rev. A. O. Osaghae, Rev. Gabriel Ojebun, and Mr. M. A. Yaya. Rev. Prof. Osadolor Imasogie (JP), (a Nigerian theological scholar, Christian religious preacher, Philosopher and educator) was named as the Rector of the College, while Rev. Noel I. I. Aihie (JP) (a seasoned Economist, public administrator and systematic theologian) was named as the Deputy Rector who was to double as the Registrar as well as secretary to the Board of Governors. Among the first lecturers of the College were Rev. Prof. Osadolor Imasogie (JP), Rev. Dr. Paul O. Ebhomielen (a well-known Baptist preacher, lecturer, missionary and one-time secretary of the Nigerian Baptist Convention’s Home and Foreign Mission Board), Rev. N. I. I. Aihie (JP), Rev. Timothy Olu Aibinuomo (now Rev. Dr.), Rev. Dr. Paul O. Abolagba and Pastor David Osadolor Omorogbe (now Rev. Dr.).
There had been abundant evidence of God’s hand
in the whole enterprise. For instance, the large number
of students who had enrolled at the College
authenticated the earlier research findings, especially
when one realizes that several of them had been pastors
of churches for upward of six years without any
theological training. Secondly, the College was started
in faith without any budget other than the Two Hundred
Thousand Naira ( The College has since been surviving on the generosity of some men and women in the congregations of Baptist Churches in Edo State, the Edo Baptist Conference, the Women’s Missionary Union, and in particular, the Chairman and members of the first Board of Governors earlier mentioned. Other persons for which its existence is worthy of note are Elder John Omo-Ikirodah (JP) (a Baptist and National Co-ordinator of the Christian Network organisation), Elder Tes Sorae, (Chief Sponsor and Co-ordinator of the Annual National Christian Festival), Mr. Omo-Egbon (of blessed memory), and Deaconess (Mrs) V. O. Ojemudia (JP). Special mention must also be made of the sacrificial contributions from the Central Baptist Church, Benin City, under the enthusiastic leadership of Rev. B. O. Ekhator (JP). Since its establishment, the Baptist College of Theology (BCT), Benin City, has made steady progress in all spheres. It is to the glory of God that today, the College has been accredited by the Ministerial Board of the Nigerian Baptist Convention. As a corollary, the College was affiliated to the Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, Nigeria, on 19th February 1999. The institution is also affiliated to the Nigerian Baptist Theological Seminary (NBTS), Ogbomoso, Nigeria, and by implication, the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, U.S.A., for the award of Certificates and Dilpomas in Theology, Religious Education, and Church Music, as well as the Bachelor of Theology (B.Th), and B.A. Religious Education degrees. As stated earlier, the College was started in faith. Its continued survival depends on the generosity of Christian brethren, churches, and organisations wherever they may be. Meanwhile, a giant colour television set has been provided in the Students’ Common Room, while a set of computer and 10.8KVA generator set have been installed at the College, all by the courtesy of some kind-hearted friends and a Baptist Family in Benin City. In the area of building, the College embarked on the construction of triple (3) bedroom bungalows to be used as staff quarters. Over N2,5 million was spent on the project. The assistance from loving people to meet several other expansion programmes of the institution has become a desideratum. e.g., aid for the huge running cost of the College, procurement of diverse theological and other books, vehicles, additional computer hardware /accessories (scientific knowledge of which is compulsory for students), Public address equipment, video camera, audio, and visual equipment. The College is endowed with well-qualified people of God who constitute the Board, Faculty, and Staff. Years ago, members of the Board of Governors were headed by Arch. Eddy E. Eguavoen, as Chairman. They were particularly self-sacrificing persons with varying expertise in the areas of business, finance, education, administration, law, Christian religion, and philosophy. The strong faculty and administrative team were first led by Rev. Prof. Osadolor Imasogie (JP) and Rev. Noel I. I. Aihie (JP) as Rector and Deputy Rector/Registrar, respectively. Following the voluntary withdrawal of Rev. Prof. Osadolor Imasogie from office as the College Rector in June 2004, Rev. Noel I. I. Aihie became the Acting Rector. He served for a period of six months after which Rev. P. O. Oyenmwense took over as Rector. On 1st December 2006, Rev. Dr. Paul O. Abolagba took over as an Acting Rector until June 2009. At the 96th (April 2009) Annual Nigerian Baptist Convention in Session, Rev. Dr. M. M. Oboh was appointed to take over from Rev. Dr. Paul O. Abolagba as an Acting Rector for one year (April 2009 – April 2010). The appointment was confirmed as Rector at the then-concluded 97th Annual Convention held at Abuja in April 2010. Along with the above, Rev. B. I. Emonfonmwan served as the Registrar from the time of Rev. P. O. Oyenmwense as Rector, having taken over from Rev. N. I. I. Aihie as Registrar in October 2005. It is instructive to state that the Baptist College of Theology (BCT), Benin City, is gradually moving towards achieving its prime an enviable and world standard theological institution, to which the founding fathers and all Baptists in Edo, Ondo and Delta States have committed their vision, energy, knowledge, time, resources and influence so generously and willingly. In June 2020, Rev. Dr. M.M. Oboh rotated out of office as the Rector of the College. Upon his exit, Rev. Prof. Stephen Oladele Ayankeye assumed office as the interim Rector of the College from July to December 2020. On 3rd December, the Executive Committee of Nigerian Baptist Convention approved the nomination of the Board of Governors to appoint Rev. Dr. Samuel Olugbenga Akintola as the substantive Rector. Dr. Akintola assumed office on 1st January 2021. At the moment, the Board of Governors is being headed by Mr. Edwin T. Ikhinmwin as the Chairman. Other members of the Board of Governors are: Rev. Dr. Timothy Olu. Aibinuomo (Rep. of NBC President), Rev. Dr. Ezekiel A. Adejuwon (Rep. of NBTS Ogbomoso), Rev. Osahon J. Igbinidu (Edo Conference President), Rev. Dr. Jonathan O. Ihwighwu (Ethiope-Delta Conference President), Rev. Dr. Saturday A. Obateru (Ondo Conference President), Rev. Dr. Nathan D. Thikan (Providence-Delta Conference President), Barrister Lawson A. Ugiagbe, Barrister Osayaba Giwa-Osagie, Mrs. Edna Agusto, Prof. Austin Ojugo (AAU, Ekpoma), Prof. Emmanuel O. Oghre (UNIBEN), Rev. Henry Matthew (President, BCT Benin Alumni Association), Mr. Joseph Olufemi Adeyanju, and Mr. John S. Adeniyi.
At present, the Administrative Council at the Baptist College of Theology (BCT) Benin City comprises the following persons as the management team: Rev. Dr. Samuel Olu. Akintola (Rector), Rev. Dr. Augustus E. Izevbigie (Registrar), Rev. Dr. Samson O. Agboifo (DAP), Mr. Samuel Edogiawerie (Librarian), and Mrs. Cordilia Eghobamien (Bursar).
II. ACADEMIC CONTENTS A. PHILOSOPHY AND OBJECTIVES1. Philosophy In the era of many Bible Colleges and Institutions, the need to set up a highly acclaimed theological college of learning the Biblical truth cannot be over- emphasised. Thus, the philosophy of Baptist College of Theology (BCT) Benin City, as an affiliate of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma is centred on ensuring a balanced management of individuals with the goal of perfecting awareness of themselves in relation to the world around them.
2. Objectives The Baptist College of Theology is an academic institution for training and equipping God-called men and women with sound theological education. It is not a profit-oriented organisation. The College will rely on God's leading men and women to supply all it requires. In lieu of the above background, the College offers courses in the areas of religion and education and some specific courses based on needs. The College opens its door widely to all called people of God who satisfy educational, moral, spiritual, and financial requirements. The College cooperates with all her sister institutions of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, other Colleges and Universities. The following rationale informed the decision for formulating her programmes. (a) To enable those who are called by God and recommended by their churches to acquire proper and sound theological as well as professional knowledge for the development of Christian (Gospel) Ministry and the society. (b) To ensure that adequate number of theologically trained leaders are available to man churches and church related organizations. (c) To help in preparing candidates for further theological training. B. CURRICULUM The curriculum at the Baptist College of Theology, Benin City revolves around the quest for theological education and the acquisition of secular education in Religious Studies. See details of the programmes in item C below. C. ADMISSION POLICY/REQUIREMENTS Prospectus The Baptist College of Theology (BCT) Benin is an academic institution providing theological education and professional training for God-called men and women to help meet the needs for effective leadership in the work of churches, schools, and denominations. Baptist College offers curricula in theology, music, and religious education. Those programmes of study are designed to offer a comprehensive theological education of high quality for the development of Christian leaders, including lay-leaders, and to provide specialised training in professional skills demanded by the various church-related ministries in Africa. 2. Admission Requirements and Procedure B.A/B.A.Ed 4 year Degree Programme i) 5 credits in WASC/SSCE/NECO, including English Language and C.R.K (Christian Religious Knowledge) or any other relevant course such as Islam or African Traditional Religion at one or two sittings. ii) 5 credits in O/L G.C.E, including English Language and C.R.K (Christian Religious Knowledge) or any other relevant course such as Islam or African Traditional Religion. 3 – Year Degree Programme i) Diploma or its equivalent from a recognised institution. ii) A Degree in any discipline from any recognized institution. This is to qualify the candidate for JAMB direct admission.
Note: For candidates who belong to either category 3 and 4 above, they must satisfy the basic requirements which include Credit passes in English Language and C.R.K. (Christian Religious Knowledge) or its equivalent. As part of admission procedure, the University screens students’ credentials. Every student is required to submit a medical report of fitness from a recognised hospital to the University. Moreover, student to be admitted must have satisfied JAMB’s requirement of meeting its cut-off marks or Direct Entry admission process.
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