Founded in 1995, St. Felix Seminary School Ejeme Aniogor was established to prepare young men for the Catholic priesthood through rigorous academic, moral, and spiritual formation. Over the years, the seminary has grown into a vibrant institution recognized for its discipline, excellence, and commitment to the teachings of Christ.
Complete History of St. Felix Minor Seminary
The Little Beginning
On November 18, 1982, His Royal Highness, Obi Olisenekwu of Ejeme-Aniogor town, donated a large plot of land to Bishop Anthony Gbuji for the Catholic Diocese of Issele Uku. This donation was seen as a miracle, as the Bishop had desired to start a Minor Seminary. With the land and six classroom blocks already built by the community, the seminary's establishment began smoothly.
The seminary was named "Felix" after the Patron Saint of the existing church in the town, an outstation under St Joseph Parish, Nsukwa. This was done to honor the generosity of the people of Ejeme-Aniogor. Forty years later, Ejeme-Aniogor continues to host the Seminary, which has produced numerous priests and notable individuals in various fields globally, making Ejeme-Aniogor a "global name."
Rectors of St. Felix Minor Seminary
1. Rev Fr. Callistus Eluchie (1983-1986) - Pioneer Rector
Tenure: 1983 - 1986
Key Achievements:
In every sphere of human life, the task of being a pioneer is one that comes with great challenges and obstacles. Yet Rev. Fr. Callistus Eluchie of blessed memory, courageously embraced the task of being the pioneer rector of St. Felix Minor Seminary. He shed the assignment of turning thick forest with just a six classroom block into a habitable environment where students would be admitted and trained for the Catholic priesthood.
On the 6th day of September 1983, Fr. Eluchie received 23 young and fragile boys as his first set of minor seminarians and with them, he began the history and beautiful story of St. Felix Minor Seminary.
Legacy: Fr. Callistus Eluchie laid the foundation upon which the seminary continues to stand, establishing the spiritual and academic traditions that have shaped generations of future priests.
2. Msgr. Matthew Arinze (1986-1990)
Tenure: 1986 - 1990
Key Achievements:
- Official recognition and approval of the Seminary by the Bendel State Ministry of Education
- Excellent performance of the first set of students in the May/June WASCE in 1988
- 2nd prize award in the Aniocha Local Government Area Annual Primary/Secondary Schools Agricultural Show in 1989
- Approval of the Seminary as a center for JSS III Examination
Transition: Fr Matthew Arinze was deeply involved with his students but was transferred due to ill health. The then Vice Rector took over.
3. Late Rev Fr Simon O. Onyewadume (1990) - Acting Rector
Tenure: 1990 (Acting Rector)
Key Achievements:
- Provided great services in music and Fine Art
- The first generation of students became "great artists" due to his "artistic prowess"
Transition: In the same year of his appointment, he was transferred to St Charles Catholic Church, Ubulu-Uku, leading to the appointment of a new rector.
4. Rev Fr Francis Ogagbor (1991-1993)
Tenure: 1991 - 1993
Key Achievements:
- Had extensive teaching experience from prominent Secondary Schools in the old Bendel State
- Resumed office on February 4, 1991
- Greatly impacted the intellectual formation of the students
- Used his "little Volkswagon beetle to move round the entire Diocese" to secure support for the Seminary
Transition: He was transferred in 1993, and another rector was appointed.
5. Msgr. Michael Nwaokolo (1994-1996)
Tenure: 1994 - 1996
Key Challenges:
- The task of running the Seminary became more demanding due to the country's economic situation
- Attempts to increase student fees were made, but this unfortunately led to the "exit of some students whose parents/guardians could not afford to cope with financial realities"
Transition: After two years of service, he was transferred from the Seminary to a parish.
6. Very Rev Fr Stephen Chukwumah (1996-1997)
Tenure: November 11, 1996 – 1997
Key Highlights:
- His one-year tenure marked the end of the first phase of the Seminary's life
- This period coincided with the transfer of the first proprietor of the Seminary, Bishop Anthony Gbuji, to the Diocese of Enugu
7. Rt Rev Msgr Stephen Uzomah (1997-2004) - Seventh Rector
Tenure: 1997 – 2004
Key Achievements:
- Appointed by Bishop Emmanuel Otteh (Vicar General) on February 11, 1997
- Began his rectorship with 66 students across all classes
- Introduced events like the Seminary annual feast day and the Food Apostolate Programme
- Infrastructure Development:
- A borehole was drilled on February 13, 1998, to address water supply challenges
- A 60KVA generator was donated by Mr. Peter Okocha of Ibusa in January 2002
- A multi-storey building, intended for both students' hostel and classrooms, was completed and commissioned
- Notable Event: In July 2001, Fr Alexander Kifordu, the vibrant and promising bursar of the Seminary, was tragically murdered
Transition: His tenure concluded in 2004 when he was transferred to St. Michael Catholic Church as Parish Priest.
8. Rev Fr Peter A. Mokwunye (2004-2008) - Eighth Rector
Tenure: 2004 – 2008
Key Achievements:
- Served as a visiting lecturer from 2000 and as the Bursar of the Seminary from October 2001
- Piloted the affairs of the seminary with the support of the new proprietor, Most Rt Rev Dr Michael O. Elue, Bishop of Issele Uku Diocese
- Effectively combined his rectorship with teaching biology and mathematics
Transition: His tenure ended with his transfer to Mary Immaculate parish as Parish Priest.
9. Rev Fr Ignatius Offor (2008-2012) - First Alumnus Rector
Tenure: 2008 – 2012
Key Achievements:
- Upon his ordination in September 2004, he was initially posted to St Felix Minor Seminary as the Dean of students
- In 2008, he was appointed Rector, making history as the first alumnus of the seminary to hold this position
- During his rectorship, the Seminary saw significant improvements in intellectual formation and infrastructural development
- A notable achievement was the construction of the jubilee block
Transition: He was transferred from the Seminary in 2012.
10. Rev Fr Peter Enuanwa (2012-2018) - Tenth Rector
Tenure: 2012 – 2018
Key Achievements:
- Appointed as the 10th Rector in 2012
- His tenure witnessed further growth and significant advancements in infrastructural developments
- A science laboratory and a computer laboratory were constructed
- His and his team of formators' dedication attracted the attention of the then State governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, who made a donation
Transition: By September 2018, the tenure of Fr Peter came to an end with the appointment of Rev Fr Francis Onwordi Jnr. as the new Rector.
11. Rev Fr Francis Onwordi Jnr (2018-2022)
Tenure: 2018 – 2022
Key Challenges & Achievements:
- Served for four academic/formation sessions
- His tenure was marked by a "harsh economic situation" in the country, which increased the cost of goods and services, yet the seminary's boarding fees remained unchanged
- The COVID-19 pandemic occurred during this period, leading to a "total lock down of activities," but the seminary was "kept afloat" under his leadership
Transition: His tenure concluded in September 2022 with the appointment of a new rector.
12. Rev Fr Emmanuel Nwankwo (2022-Present) - Thirteenth Rector
Tenure: 2022 – Present
Key Highlights:
- Appointed as the 12th Rector of the Seminary
- His return as a son of the seminary to lead it to "the next level of excellence"
- Continues to build on the legacy of excellence established by his predecessors
Current Status: Leading the seminary with the collective goodwill and assistance of friends and partners, expressing confidence in future achievements.
Legacy and Impact
Over the past 40 years, St. Felix Minor Seminary has grown from a small beginning with 23 young boys to a vibrant institution that has produced numerous priests and notable individuals in various fields globally. The seminary continues to be a beacon of hope, forming priests who are committed to serving God and His people with wisdom, compassion, and dedication.